Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:32 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 Representatives. Excused - 1 (Representative Todd).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, commented on a local physician's Letter to the Editor in today's Ithaca Journal in which the physician states the Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project poses a public health risk. Ms. Gougakis said she agrees with the comments stated in that letter. Ms. Gougakis spoke of the recent visit to the Courthouse by United States Senator, Charles Schumer, and said she believes there should have been an opportunity for public dialogue between the Senator and the public. She does not feel economic development is the only answer to problems in Tompkins County.

Chair Mink recognized Ithaca High School students in attendance.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

Mr. Evans, District No. 13 Representative, stated he is disappointed with the Library Construction Committee's recent decision not to include a full-scale coffeeshop in the new Public Library building. He said he had considered bringing an individual resolution forward; however, there would not be enough support for it to pass. Mr. Evans said he hopes that whatever coffee service is brought to the Library, that Challenge Industries will be given full consideration in providing the service.

Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Representative, read the following comments:

"On Thursday, February 25^th I went to my first Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board meeting as your representative. Our outgoing representative, Beverly Livesay, was honored for being an excellent representative and during her last year that she served, for being the Chair of the STERPDB.

As we all know, Beverly always served on various boards with desire, compassion, and she always prepared herself very well by doing her homework. I was not surprised at any of the comments about Beverly's performance.

Beverly was honored with a very nice plaque which honored her for her dedicated service, guidance, and leadership.

Please permit me to personally publicly say "Thank You Beverly" and to read the following short resolution as presented by the incoming Chair of the STERPDB, Chris Burger:

RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION TO CHAIRMAN BEVERLY LIVESAY

WHEREAS, Beverly Livesay has been a member of the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board representing Tompkins County since 1993, and

WHEREAS, Beverly Livesay has served as Chairman of the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board since 1995, having previously served as the Regional Board's Vice Chairman, and

WHEREAS, Beverly Livesay has actively participated in the affairs of the Regional Board including serving as Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the New York State Association of Regional Councils from 1997 through 1999, and

WHEREAS, the many activities of Beverly Livesay as a member and then officer of this Regional Board have brought credit and the esteem of her fellow members to herself, her County, and this Board, NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, That the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board hereby recognizes the service of Beverly Livesay as its Chairman and takes this opportunity to express its appreciation and gratitude for her many efforts on its behalf, and further directs that a suitable plaque be prepared and presented to her as an expression of its esteem".

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, said at the last Board meeting several questions were raised regarding the Harm Reduction Program. Since that meeting he has distributed information to all Board members.

Mr. Proto said the public forum to review the Water Quality Strategy plan that is scheduled tomorrow is cancelled. He will let the Board know when that meeting is rescheduled.

Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10, said there are tens of millions of land mines that are still left in over sixty countries world-wide and every year they kill and maim 25,0000 people. She said yesterday there was an international celebration for the International Treaty to Ban Land Mines. She said nations who have signed and ratified that have committed themselves to ban the production, use, storage, and export of land mines. She said she is ashamed that the United States, along with China and Russia, have refused to join this effort.

Chair's Report and Appointment(s)

Ms. Mink called attention to the memo in Board members' folders from Wendy Skinner, Greg Potter, and Lee Shurtleff regarding the County's Y2K efforts.

Mr. Winch asked Ms. Mink if she would consider putting together a task force on how we, as a County, plan on using the tobacco settlement money. He said it will be a long time and we don't how much will be received in the settlement, but feels the County should be prepared. Ms. Mink said she will take this under advisement.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Erb reported he returned today from the NYSAC Conference held in Albany. He provided the Board with a report on the tobacco litigation settlement and said the first payment from tobacco companies has been made and put into an escrow account. Payments are expected to be made to counties in June of the year 2000. He said Erie, Westchester, and New York City counties are appealing either the method of distribution or the formula used in determining payments to counties. Mr. Erb said the federal government has indicated that it wants to receive a portion of these funds; however, there is great opposition to that.

Mr. Erb also reported that only seven New York State counties have decided to participate in the permanent removal of sales tax on clothing. He reported on the Governor's budget and described the budget as one with hard cuts and soft savings. There are several cases where federal funds have been used in the place of state funds; this puts the County at risk should federal policy change. He said the counties that are most negatively impacted by the proposed budget are those that are operating nursing homes and hospitals.

Mr. Erb announced that direct deposit is now available to County employees. Mr. Winch asked if the direct deposition option included other checks, such things as mileage reimbursement. Mr. Erb did not think it would be possible to have direct deposit with checks other than payroll; however, he said would look into this and report back.

Mr. Stein spoke of the tobacco litigation and said if not enough states agree to this settlement by the middle of the year 2000, his understanding is this all goes back to the beginning. He said there are a number of issues, including the fact that the five signatories on the contract are the five major tobacco manufacturers. He said there are other small tobacco manufacturers that are not bound by the agreement, and there is concern that those companies could take advantage of the other companies' position by getting the big companies would no longer be getting. It is written in the agreement that if this were to happen, that the amount of the settlement would be reduced. Mr. Stein said there is an attempt being made to address this through New York State legislation. He said the counties have been requested to take action to support that legislation and also to support legislation opposing the federal government from taking fifty percent of the settlement.

Mr. Stein reported on the packet of resolutions that was reviewed and approved at the NYSAC Conference. He will be distributing copies to all Board members and a list of topics that NYSAC has decided to take a stand on.

Ms. Kiefer asked if there is an opportunity for counties to review the packet of resolutions prior to the NYSAC Conference. Mr. Stein said the resolutions have never been reviewed by counties prior to the conference. He agrees that there should be an opportunity for this to happen.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Theisen reported two lawsuits by inmates at the County Jail have been dismissed. One was dismissed because the statute of limitations ran out, the other because it wasn't prosecuted properly. He reported on the Virgil Creek Dam case, and said it will be heard in April or May by the Supreme Court in Tompkins County. Mr. Theisen said a recent case in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court says that mobile homes can be included in the tax foreclosure of properties.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires had no report.

Addition and Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Regular Agenda

The resolution entitled Appropriation from Contingent Fund and Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for Y2K Consulting Services – Information Technology Services was withdrawn from the agenda following the Electronic Future Committee Report.

Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to move the following resolutions to the Consent Agenda:

Extension of Contract - Operation of the Public Parking Facilities - Tompkins County Airport

Authorization to Execute Extension of Snow and Ice Agreement with the State of New York

It was MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Joseph, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to move to the Consent Agenda, the resolution entitled Authorization to Participate in Cooperative Purchasing of Electric Power with Various Political Subdivisions.

RESOLUTION NO. 34 -TO SUPPORT ONE PRIVATE SERVICE FORESTER FOR EACH NEW YORK STATE COUNTY

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, New York forests are an extremely valuable resource to the 20 million people of New York State, covering 65 percent of the land area of the State, and providing wood, wildlife habitat, recreation opportunities, watershed protection, and biodiversity, and

WHEREAS, New York forests are held predominantly in small private ownership with over 85 percent or 14 million acres so held by almost 500,000 different people, and

WHEREAS, management of forests for multiple values is very complex to ensure the sustainability and health of the forest, protection of watersheds, and provision of wildlife habitat while providing timber and other services, and

WHEREAS, intelligent forest management requires the assistance of professionally trained foresters, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is charged with providing some assistance to private forest owners yet has suffered staffing cuts, and at present, has insufficient staff to do so, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the Governor and Legislators of New York State be urged to support funding for DEC to enable provision of the equivalent of one Private Service Forester for each county in the State to work on educational outreach to private owners in concert with private consulting foresters and others to ensure the sustainability of this fine natural resort.

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RESOLUTION NO. 35 - SUPPORT FOR RESTORATION OF STATE FUNDING OF

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD's) provide technical assistance, educational information and environmental protection for soil, water, and related natural resources to residents and municipalities in New York State, and

WHEREAS, the SWCD's provide natural resource inventory, pond, stream, and wetland management, NYSDEC permitting assistance, drainage, erosion and sediment control, agricultural value assessments, and non-point source-pollution programs on a local level, and

WHEREAS, in previous years, the New York State Legislature omitted funding from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) which fully reimburses the local SWCD's for their services, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature is currently considering legislation (A 11318) that will reinstate funding to the EPF and fully reimburse the SWCD's, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives supports this Legislation and urges the members of the New York Legislature to pass such legislation restoring funding to the EPF,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives is hereby authorized and directed to send a certified copy of this resolution to the Honorable George Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, New York State Senators James Seward and Randy Kuhl, New York State Assemblyman Martin Luster, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, urging their support of this funding restoration.

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RESOLUTION NO. 36 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda. This resolution was reconsidered later in the meeting.

RESOLUTION NO. 37 - EXTENSION OF CONTRACT - OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC PARKING FACILITIES - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the County has reviewed the performance of the present operator and is happy with the professionalism and high standards of customer service provided, and

WHEREAS, the County has reviewed the revenue generated by the contract with the present operator of the airport's public parking facilities and is generally satisfied with the results, and

WHEREAS, the present operator has offered to work in partnership with the County to help with the marketing of the airport through its own corporate resources, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the contract with APCOA Inc., of Fairfax, Virginia, for the operations of the public parking facilities at the Tompkins County Airport be extended by three years with an option to renew annually for a further two years,

RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized and directed to execute a contract with APCOA, Inc., commencing on April 1, 1999.

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RESOLUTION NO. 38 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE EXTENSION OF SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has heretofore entered into an agreement with the State of New York pursuant to Section 12 of the Highway Law relating to control of snow and ice on State highways in towns and incorporated villages, and

WHEREAS, Section 7 and 10 of said agreement respectively provided a method of modifying the map of affected State highways and for annually updating the estimated expenditures, and

WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to extend said agreement currently set to expire June 30, 1999, as modified and updated, for an additional one-year period, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That an extension of said snow and ice agreement is hereby authorized for a period of one year from July 1, 1999 through June 30, 2000 and the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute such extension on behalf of the County.

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RESOLUTION NO. 39 - AUTHORIZATION TO PARTICIPATE IN COOPERATIVE PURCHASING OF ELECTRIC POWER WITH VARIOUS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present under the Consent Agenda.

WHEREAS, it will be mutually beneficial to participate in cooperative bidding of gas and electric power, and

WHEREAS, the County Law 408-a provides that counties may extend to political subdivisions in the County, or in an adjoining County, contracts for services as well as purchase contracts awarded to the lowest responsible bidder after advertisement for bids, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins and Tioga Counties have by their Electric and Gas Alliance accepted a bid for the purchase of electric power, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That Tompkins County be and hereby is authorized to participate in cooperative purchasing of electric power as contracted for by the Tompkins and Tioga Counties Electric and Gas Alliance with political subdivisions located within the County and Tioga County, pursuant to said law,

RESOLVED, further, That before any interested political subdivision in Tompkins County shall be included in such cooperative purchasing, it must submit to the County Department of Finance a resolution approved by its governing body authorizing purchases under the Tompkins and Tioga Alliance Contract.

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Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:

Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board

Daniel Winch – Board Member Representative – term expires December 31, 1999

George Totman– At-large Representative – term expires December 31, 1999

Family Court Advisory Council

Gale Smith – County Youth Board Representative – term expires December 31, 2000

Judith Johnson – Probation Department Representative – term expires December 31, 1999

Advisory Board on Indigent Representation

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met on February 23 and heard a report from the Cayuga Nature Center on a request that the County become the municipal sponsor for their trail program. They have not been successful in having that program funded by other grant sources. Mr. Lane said it will link the trails at the Cayuga Nature Center with the Black Diamond Program. He said the Committee voted to be the municipal sponsor of this; however, they are not saying the application is stronger than others, just that it should be considered and reviewed on its own merits.

Mr. Lane said the Committee has been looking at various boards and agencies that report to the Committee. He said representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation attended the meeting and discussed the Fish and Wildlife Board and the Forest Practice Board.

Mr. Lane said the Committee discussed the work program for the Planning Department. He noted the Department's duties include many things in addition to planning projects. He said the Department works on grant development, information services, and provides support to advisory boards. Mr. Lane said the work plan will be distributed to all Board members. He said the Committee also finished work on its goals.

Ms. Kiefer asked about position vacancies that exist within the Planning Department. Mr. Lane said the positions of Circuit Rider and Environmental Planner will be filled; however, the Water Resources Planner duties will be performed contractually.

RESOLUTION NO. 40 -IN RECOGNITION OF DANIEL M. WINCH, FIRST CHAIR OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL

MOVED by Mr. Lane and unanimously seconded and adopted. Mr. Winch said he is very appreciative of this resolution and noted the successes of this Council can be attributed to a "group effort".

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Water Resources Council and Technical Committee were created by Resolution No. 181 of the Board of Representatives in August 1997 on the recommendation of the Water Quality Study Group, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Winch served with distinction on the Study Group and as the first Chair of the Tompkins County Water Resources Council, and

WHEREAS, Mr. Winch provided leadership, insight, and initiative, in guiding the Water Resources Council and Technical Committee through the difficult formative phase, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee, and the Water Resources Council and Technical Committees, That gratitude and sincere appreciation is extended for the considerable and thoughtful contributions made by Mr. Winch.

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

Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met on February 23 at noon. He said the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board met the day before and raised the issue of a public defender. He said part of the problem is that the list of available attorneys for Assigned Counsel has dropped from 100 to 42 and it is also clear that if the County wants to increase that list, the pay for those individuals will need to be increased. Mr. Evans said at the next meeting, the Committee will be reviewing the issue of having a County public defender's office. He said if the County did have its own public defender office, it would increase its chances of having remote video arraignment for prisoners. He said this would reduce the staffing requirements by the Sheriff's Department by at least one full-time equivalent.

Mr. Evans said he facilitated a meeting with the City of Ithaca Mayor, fire chiefs, and the E911 Executive Committee. That group agreed in principle to the development of a central dispatching center. Mr. Evans said the Committee discussed and approved having a contract with the Social Security Administration for reporting of incarcerated individuals who are receiving SSI. He noted that individuals who are incarcerated for one month are not eligible for those benefits. He said Chemung County receives approximately $9,000 per year for this contract.

Mrs. Schuler reported that all Board members should have received the 1998 annual report for Citizens for Children from the Law Guardian's office.

RESOLUTION NO. 41 - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF A GRANT FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES

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

WHEREAS, the Deputy County Administrator for Criminal Justice has been notified of a grant award from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services in the amount of $80,000 and referred to as the STOPS grant, and

WHEREAS, the STOPS grant represents a collaborative effort between Tompkins County, Cayuga Medical Center, and Ithaca Rape Crisis and will fund the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, hardware for the Juris Monitor system (monitored by the Probation Department), cell phones, pagers, and a lock change program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to execute all contracts related to this award,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following adjustments on his books for 1998:

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

REVENUE: A3996.43389 State Aid $80,000

APPROPRIATION: A3996.51000 Payroll $ 4,000

.58800 Fringes $ 1,000

.54303 Supplies $ 600

.54414 Local Mileage $ 664

.54472 Telephone $ 600

.54452 Professional Services $73,136

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RESOLUTION NO. 42 - HOME RULE RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF INCREASING E-911 SURCHARGE

MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Blanchard.

Mr. Joseph said he voted against this in Committee. He said the needs of the 911 system are not in question; the funding is. This is a proposal to expand the current surcharge from 35 cents to one dollar. He said the proposed surcharge applies to all telephone lines up to seventy five. After that, only the first seventy-five lines are charged. Mr. Joseph said that makes this a regressive tax where those who are the biggest users of phone services have a cap on how much they pay. He said since this resolution only asks the State to do something he will support it; however, he would not support it if the County Board were putting it into effect.

Mr. Proto said he agrees with the comments made by Mr. Joseph and said he feels this is premature in light of the fact that counties have not heard whether they will be successful approaching the State about expanding this program. Mr. Proto questioned why this request is necessary and what is driving it. He would also like to know if there is a report that Board members can review.

Peter Meskill, Tompkins County Sheriff and Member of the E911 Operations Committee, said he brought this issue forward to the E911 Committee. He said the Tioga County Legislature has already adopted this, and we are doing in this in support of Tioga County and to send a message to New York State that the State should help support this. He said the $.35 surcharge does not cover all of the costs of operating E911. The State does not contribute towards this program it is generated by tax dollars and by the fee. Mr. Meskill said the system is need of an upgrade to replace outdated items.

Mr. Winch said he is disappointed that this resolution is being brought forward because all of the information he has seen shows that the County is alright financially with the $.35 that has been charged. He said he cannot support this request without seeing documentation of the need.

Mr. Miller said although there are a lot of issues that need to be looked at, he feels this Board should join with Tioga County in requesting the New York State Legislature to authorize an increase in the Tompkins County E911 surcharge. Mr. Miller was asked to prepare information on the actual cost of this program and operation and distribute it to Board members.

A vote by a show of hands resulted as follows: Ayes – 11, Noes – 3 (Representatives Kiefer, Proto, and Winch); Excused – 1 (Representative Todd). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives desires to maintain and improve the capabilities of E-911 services, and

WHEREAS, the current E-911 telephone surcharges, paid for by all the system users, covers a limited portion of actual system operational expenses, and all other costs related to the system must be raised through property taxes, and

WHEREAS, Tioga County has petitioned the New York State Legislature for Home Rule Legislation to raise its surcharge to $1.00, and

WHEREAS, the State of New York has expanded the types of expenses to which such surcharge may be applied, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives hereby requests the New York State Legislature to authorize an increase in the Tompkins County 911 Surcharge to $1.00 per month,

RESOLVED, further, That this request be forwarded to Assemblyman Luster and Senators Seward and Kuhl.

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Report from the Budget and Quality Planning Committee

Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met jointly last week with department heads to discuss the budget process and results of the recent survey. He said one of the things that came out of that meeting was that department heads are requesting a larger role of the County Administrator in presenting and defending their budget requests. Mr. Joseph said he has met with Rick Erb and Kathy West to talk about that and they are putting together a proposal to give to department heads. He said it appears that much of what department heads are requesting does not require changes to policy. Another meeting is scheduled with department heads on March 24 at noon to continue talking about some of the areas on the survey that contained differences of opinions. Mr. Joseph said the next Committee meeting will be March 4. Jennifer Green, a Cornell Professor who specializes in program evaluation, will be in attendance to discuss that subject with the Committee.

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr MOVED and Mr. Penniman seconded a resolution that would move $25,000 from the Contingent Fund to pay for consulting services needed to complete specific Y2K priority tasks, noting that $50,000 had been placed in contingency for this purpose in the approved 1999 budget.

Report from the Government Operations Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next meeting will be March 4 at noon. At that meeting the Committee will discuss the Human Rights Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and the Administrative Policy Manual. The Committee will also discuss its goals and work plan for 1999.

Report from the Electronic Future Committee

Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported that responses were due this afternoon for Y2K consulting services. He said although there were ten phone inquiries there were no returned responses. He said the current proposal is to assign one staff member from the Information Technology Services Department to this problem until it is complete. He said the consequence of this is that there are other important things that are not going to get done.

Ms. Kiefer said it is not clear to her that there is anyone on staff who can take care of the embedded systems question. Mr. Evans said there are staff persons within the County who are capable of handling this. Ms. Mink said since this is still being looked at money can be appropriated at a later date for a specific purpose.

At this time the resolution entitled Appropriation from Contingent Fund and Authorization to Enter into an Agreement for Y2K Consulting Services – Information Technology Services was withdrawn from the agenda.

Ms. Blanchard said she would be interested in knowing why people did not bid on this contract.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee

Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next meeting will be March 11 at 9:15 a.m. One of the major items on that agenda will be discussion of the Committee’s goals for 1999.

RESOLUTION NO. 43 - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS AND BUDGET ADJUSTMENT - DROWSY DRIVING GRANT

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Health Department, Health Promotion Program in conjunction with Borg Warner Automotive has been awarded one of twenty national pilot grants by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and

WHEREAS, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the workers at Borg Warner are shift workers and accident prevention and worker safety have a high priority at Borg Warner, and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the grant is to implement and evaluate Drowsy Driving prevention program materials with the shift workers at Borg Warner and to educate shift workers about the dangers of driving drowsy, and

WHEREAS, the Health Department will receive $10,000 to participate in the distribution, training and evaluation of this pilot program for a six-month period beginning in the spring of 1999, and

WHEREAS, a portion of the grant funds will be sub-contracted to Borg Warner to cover personnel expenses, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services and Budget and Quality Planning Committees, That the Health Department is authorized to accept said funds,

RESOLVED, further, That the Department is authorized to execute any and all agreements necessary to complete this project,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is authorized to make the following budget adjustment on his books:

REVENUE A4016.44959 Federal Aid $10,000

APPROPRIATION A4016.54412 Travel and Training $ 1,200

A4016.54400 Program Expense 8,800

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RESOLUTION NO. 36 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to separate the resolution, making adjustment number 15 - Sheriff's Department a separate resolution. A voice vote on the following resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Todd).

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services, Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education and Public Safety Committees, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustments on his books:

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Office for the Aging (#4)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6793.44772 Federal Revenue $1,000 6793.54491 Subaccount

Explanation: Increase in Federal Revenue permits increase in Subcontract.

Office for the Aging (#5)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6794.43808 State Revenue $15 6794.54442 Professional Services

6794.43808 State Revenue $375 6794.58800 Fringes

Explanation: Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 1999.

Office for the Aging (#6)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6777.43808 State Revenue $766 6777.51000 Salary

6777.43808 State Revenue $1,124 6777.58800 Fringes

Explanation: Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 1999.

Office for the Aging (#7)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6785.43808 State Revenue $263 6785.51000 Salary

6785.43808 State Revenue $177 6785.54330 Printing

6785.43808 State Revenue $148 6785.54414 Local Mileage

6785.43808 State Revenue $65 6785.54452 Postage

6785.43808 State Revenue $380 6785.58800 Fringes

Explanation: Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 1999.

Office for the Aging (#8)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6780.43808 State Revenue $20,936 6780.54491 Subcontracts

Explanation: Reappropriation of unused State monies to be used in 1999.

Office for the Aging (#10)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

6777.43808 State Revenue $2,402 6777.54491 Subcontract

Explanation: Revenue increase permits increase in subcontract.

PLANNING, INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE

Planning (#13)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

CD8683.44959 Federal Aid $14,187.56 CD8683.54400 Program Expense

(HOII)

CD8694.44959 Federal Aid $92,257.52 CD8694.54400 Program Expense

(HOIII PT 2)

CD8684.44959 Federal Aid $ 4,909.54 CD8684.54400 Program Expense

(JAMEX)

CD8696.44959 Federal Aid $ 9,072.80 CD8696.54400 Program Expense

(IMR)

CD8691.44959 Federal Aid $250,000 CD8691.54491 Subcontracts

(AXHIOM)

CD8691.44959 Federal Aid $30,473.42 CD8691.54400 Program Expense

(AXHIOM)

CD8693.44959 Federal Aid $10,099.79 CD8693.54400 Program Expense

(PORTLAND POINT)

Explanation: To move remaining 1998 grant funds into the 1999 budget.

Planning (#12)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ___________

CD8690.44959 Federal Aid $68,385.27 CD8690.54491 Subcontracts

(CBORD)

CD8690.44959 Federal Aid $ 2,541.19 CD8690.54400 Program Expense

(CBORD)

Explanation: To move remaining 1998 grant funds into the 1999 budget.

Planning (#1)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ______

CD8694.44959 Federal Aid $80,000 CDE8694.54400 Program Expense

Explanation: To move money into the 1999 budget for closings that may occur in January 1999.

Planning (#9)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) ____________

6475.41113 Room Tax Fund $17,050 A6475.54497 Tourism Attractions

Balance

Explanation: It is desired to bring monies forward from the Room Tax Fund Balance in order to add to the Development Grants for 1999.

Sheriff (#16)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) _____________

3113.42626 Drug Forfeiture $5,600 3113.52231 Vehicles

Explanation: Monies needed to purchase eight light bars for the patrol cars.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 44 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Totman.

Mr. Joseph said this adjustment proposes to move money from the inmate commissary account to purchase a computer. This money is accumulated from the sale of items to inmates. He said inmates are generally poor and the money usually comes from friends and family. Mr. Joseph does not think there should be a profit on the operation and that as long as there is a profit, the money should be used to benefit the inmates. He acknowledged that the State Commission of Correction has said that this is an allowable use of the money; nevertheless, it does not seem appropriate to him.

Ms. Blanchard said the Board has been insistent on better fiscal management at the Sheriff’s Department and this is an opportunity to have a system that is paid for by a means other than taxpayer dollars.

Mr. Meskill said he estimates the profit from the commissary to be approximately $3,500 to $5,000 per year.

Mr. Lane said the commissary is not there to make money and that there should be some money there to be put towards administration of the account. He feels this is a reasonable use of the money.

Mr. Proto agreed with the comments made by Mr. Joseph. He feels the money that is accumulated should be used towards the purchase of items that will more directly benefit inmates.

A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 5 (Representatives Blanchard, Evans, Koplinka-Loehr, Lane, and Totman); Noes – 9 (Representatives Davis, Joseph, Kiefer, Mink, Penniman, Proto, Schuler, Stein, and Winch); Excused – 1 (Representative Todd). RESOLUTION FAILED.

Sheriff (#15)

Revenue Acct Title Amt Approp Acct Title(s) _____________

3150.41774 Concessions $4,432 3150.52206 Computer Equipment

3150.41774 Concessions $ 510 3150.52230 Computer Software

3150.41774 Concessions $ 304 3150.54618 Interdepartmental Charge

Explanation: Monies from the inmate commissary account to purchase computer equipment and software to run and monitor inmate commissary account, bail fund and property check to benefit the inmates.

Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next meeting will be March 11.

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

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee canceled the meeting schedule for this morning. Ms. Blanchard reviewed the following Committee goals for 1999. The next meeting will be March 16 at 9 a.m.

Highway and Bridges

Expand efforts designed to increase intermunicipal cooperation and coordination between the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, key staff and units of local government by (1) communicating regularly with Town and Village Highway Superintendents, (2) attending Town and Village Board meetings to familiarize local officials with County plans and projects, (3) initiating additional pilot projects that emphasize sharing work and equipment and offer sub-contracting opportunities to local highway departments, and (4) strengthening relationships with the City of Ithaca’s Department of Public Works.

Engineering

As a part of the reorganization process, determine the most appropriate means of supporting the cost of engineering services. Continue to review the County’s approach to soliciting proposals from contractors and consulting firms to ensure that local vendors are given all opportunity to participate in County projects.

Buildings and Grounds

Increase appreciation for the work of the Buildings and Grounds among internal customers in County government as well as the public by (1) profiling this Division in internal and external newsletters and publications, (2) increasing opportunities within the Division for professional development, and (3) through periodic attendance at Buildings and Grounds staff meetings by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee Chairman and other Board members. Identify ways in which Buildings and Grounds and comparable units of City government can collaborate on joint responsibilities for properties in the Central Business District.

Solid Waste

Work with the Division to meet the goals of (1) ensuring that the organizational structure for solid waste management is efficient and effective, (2) bringing the household hazardous waste on line, (3) implementing a reuse program in Tompkins County, (4) reviewing and updating public information strategies for solid waste programs, and (5) implementing strategies that minimize the amount of leachate to be collected and treated at the Caswell landfill.

Airport

Work with the Airport Staff and TCAD to (1) focus a marketing effort that will encourage greater use of the Ithaca Airport and (2) explore collaborative arrangements with the Elmira and Binghamton airports that might prove to be mutually beneficial. In addition, continue to implement the Airport Master Plan.

RESOLUTION NO. 45 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – LIBRARY STEPS – BUILDINGS & GROUNDS

MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mrs. Schuler. A short roll call vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 10, Noes – 4 (Representatives Blanchard, Evans, Lane, and Totman); Excused – 1 (Representative Todd). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Public Library steps have deteriorated to the point of closure, and

WHEREAS, repairs during the period of transition between use of the Library as it currently exists and the future use as yet to be determined should be modest but adequate to meet the minimum needs of the Library operation, and

WHEREAS, the Library will remain in use and open to the public until relocation to their new facility in the year 2000, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities & Infrastructure and Budget & Quality Planning Committees, That funds be appropriated to repair the Library steps as expeditiously as possible in an amount not to exceed $13,500, and

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is hereby directed to make the following budget appropriation:

FROM: A1990.54400 Contingent Fund $ 13,500

TO: A1620.54470 Building Repairs $ 13,500

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 20

Report from the Electric Power Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported since the last Board meeting Tioga County met and approved the master agreement. This action triggered the next stage which is NYSEG Solutions sending out copies of the agreement, information, and sign-up forms to participate in agreement. Mr. Stein said as of the end of last week all of those letters and communications have gone out to the three groups that are included in the aggregation process. He said in the document from NYSEG Solutions is a letter from him and Frances Leavenworth, Chair of the Tioga County Legislature, explaining what has been done. Also included in the packets to municipalities is a copy of the draft resolution they must adopt before March 31 if they wish to participate. Mr. Stein said there are approximately 60-65 phone calls each day with questions about this and 200 people have already signed up in the residential group.

Mr. Winch requested a copy of the documentation that went to municipalities. Mr. Stein said he would distribute copies to all Board members.

Report from the Information Management Committee

Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met today at noon. He said there has been little progress made in the search for a Director of Information Technology Services. Mr. Evans said the working report that he referred to at the last meeting will be on file at the end of the week. He referred to the embedded chip issue and said this is really a clerical problem and said at this point there is no need to hire an expert. Mr. Evans said the bid for a spring flyover will go out at the end of the week; however, the Town of Ithaca will not be included in the low flyover due to cost. He said the tax maps are in good shape. The County Clerk imaging project is beginning, the web-site project is on schedule, the telephone project is moving forward and equipment will be purchased on State contract. Mr. Evans encouraged employees and Board members to take advantage of direct deposit of paychecks.

Report from the Library Construction Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee met today and authorized an agreement to allow Angelheart to use the Woolworth building for their annual sale. She said an agreement was negotiated to cover the cost of utilities for the building and to have a donation made to the Library. She said the Committee also agreed on early design of the building, including having the entrance on the corner of Cayuga and Green Streets.

Report from the Library Coordination Committee

Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. He said the Committee continues to collect data and will meet next on March 9 at 9 a.m.

Report from the Public Safety Building Space Committee

Mr. Joseph reported the Committee met last week and discussed two main areas. The architect reported on findings of the non-jail side of the building and took a look at what work people do and the space. After looking at that space, they will focus on the existing building and what can be done with it. Mr. Joseph said he and Bill Benjamin, Deputy County Administrator, met with the consultant. At that meeting the consultant acknowledged that Tompkins County has done a good job; however, they need to address the questions "for the people who are here because they belong here, what can Tompkins County do to make sure that they don’t belong here again?" and "what can we do for the people who are not here yet, to make sure they never belong here?" Mr. Joseph said these issues of rehabilitation and prevention are ones the consultant is eager to address, although he is not usually expected to address them.

Approval of Minutes of February 16, 1999

It was MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of February 16, 1999 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.

Announcement

Ms. Blanchard announced at the last meeting of the Soil and Water Conservation District, George Totman was elected Chairman.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

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