Vice Chair Lane 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 Representatives. Excused - 1 (Representative Mink).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca resident, spoke of the Tompkins County Public Library. She feels there is a structural problem with the building that causes a lot of sound problems. She believes the Library is too noisy which makes it very difficult for her to get any work done. Ms. Gougakis also spoke of the Downtown Ithaca Partnership and stated she is very concerned about the way development takes place in downtown Ithaca since the Mayor said their plan was tabled so there was no change for community input. Lastly she expressed great concern over citizens loss of privacy, for example with medical records, and she challenged Ithaca and Tompkins County to take a step back and not automatically implement every new technology when it comes along.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

Stuart Stein, District No. 3 Representative, called attention to a resolution the Board Office received from Livingston County entitled Seeking Expansion of Empire Zone to All Counties. Mr. Stein commented that he has been in attendance at two recent meetings where this issue has been discussed. He said in the State Legislature there is a proposal to expand the size of empire zones from two square miles to four square miles and to have an empire zone in every county. Mr. Stein said empire zones have been around New York State since the 1980's and basically provide very substantial tax exemptions and other benefits to bring job-creating activities to those parts of a community that are decaying. Mr. Stein said he has very serious concerns about this program and feels it is moving away from its original purpose substantially and will move development away from central city areas. He said this is a very important issue that should be discussed further by this Board.

Ms. Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, also spoke about empire zones and said this was discussed at the last Tompkins County Area Development meeting. She said a lengthy presentation was given about this and agreed with comments made by Mr. Stein. She asked that this subject be placed on the appropriate standing committee agenda.

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, spoke about the recently released Census figures and stated that he is also disappointed in the results. He said consideration is being given to protesting those results and he will keep the Board posted.

Mr. Proto said he distributed a copy of a letter to all Board members that he sent to Paul Mintz of the Ithaca City School District asking for clarification about the discussion that took place at the last Board meeting regarding the exemption that was proposed by the City. Mr. Proto said he was assured that the situation was as Mr. Koplinka-Loehr described at the last meeting.

Mr. Proto said he is a member of the Johnson Museum of Art Advisory Board and at yesterday's meeting there was an opportunity to work with the City of Ithaca on doing certain things. He spoke of the unveiling of the new trolley that will take place on April 6 at 1:30 p.m. and encouraged all Board members to join the ride.

Mrs. Schuler, District No. 4 Representative, reported she attended a play that was held at the Tompkins County Public Library entitled The Day the Women Met. The play was written by Carol Kammen, Tompkins County Historian, and performed by Hangar Theatre. Mrs. Schuler called attention to the Law Guardian's annual report for 2000. She announced the Multiple Sclerosis Walk will take place on April 1^st and encouraged Board members to participate.

Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, announced today is Election Day for village offices and encouraged everyone to vote.

Presentation by the Ithaca Downtown Partnership

Vice Chairman Lane introduced Gary Ferguson, Executive Director of the Ithaca Downtown Partnership.

Mr. Ferguson presented the Board with information on areas where the Ithaca Downtown Partnership has made accomplishments. The following information was presented:

• Prepared and launched a ten-year "Downtown Development Strategy", a blueprint for the community on downtown growth for the next decade.
• Raised the status of downtown in both the public and private sectors as a critical community planning and development issue.

• Helped to formulate and plan proposed $41.0 million Cayuga Green at Six Mile Creek, a parking, residential, and commercial project.
• Helped to formulate and plan the proposed $17.0 million 130,000 SF downtown Cornell Office building.
• Helped to plan and package the proposed $8.7 million 12-story, 110-room Hilton Garden Inn
• Completed a housing market analysis for downtown that documents the need for up to 1-5 rental units and 20 sale units per year in downtown.

• Recruitment of new business (local and regional canvassing)
• Assistance to start-up business
• Assistance to expanding businesses
• Assistance to at-risk existing businesses

• Since 1999, downtown has added 29 new and expanded retail businesses occupying approximately 50,000 square feet
• Filled six key vacant locations: Holly's, Harold's, Masonic Temple, Morris' Building, Corner Bookstore, and McDonalds Building
• Current downtown retail occupancy rate is 95 percent
• Major new 6,000 SF restaurant, Lost Dog, under construction
• Worked to re-open and expand the Angelheart store under new ownership
• Since January 1, 2001 added 16,000 sq. ft. of new expanded retail space

• In the past year, helped to retain over 275 at-risk jobs
• Thomas Associates grows to 200 employees and expands into two buildings, signing a ten-year lease
• Salomon Smith Barney, with 30 employees, adds space and signs for long-term lease
• Kept the interim downtown Post Office located in the heart of downtown
• Helped sell and retain several existing businesses, including Logos Bookstore and Sounds Fine
• Conducted retention breakfasts and visitations with over 50 businesses

• Negotiated a permanent two-hour free parking program for City-managed garages and lots
• Helping to plan for a new 600-car downtown parking garage

• Worked with the City to obtain $352,000 for Year 2000, and $250,000 for 2001, improvements to the Ithaca Commons
• Working with the City to finalize a multi-year capital improvement plan for downtown
• Worked with the City to obtain funding for downtown traffic, lighting, parking and pavement studies
• Launched a downtown signage program - raised $31,000 to design and build 13 new downtown signs for installation in 2000
• Working to plan and locate Transportation Center bus hub project

• Launched the region's first outdoor sculpture exhibition program, with 20 sculptures in the inaugural show
• Helped to organize and fund a Commons/Downtown landscaping planting and maintenance program, using youth apprentices
• Launched and maintain an outdoor public dining program, utilizing disabled workers
• Worked to establish a downtown satellite police station

• Sponsored and hosted at least 65 downtown outdoor event dates each year.
• Attract over 75,000 visitors each year to downtown special events.
• In the past three years, sponsored 140 summer concerts
• Among the events and activities undertaken or hosted are: chili cook-off, art walk, gallery nights, apple harvest festival, Ithaca Festival craft fair, summer sidewalk sales, holiday stroll, 25^th Commons anniversary, college community expo, history channel great race, vintage car show

• 1999 image marketing media campaign to increase awareness of downtown
• Tourism attraction program featuring 40,000 copies of a Cornell-designed brochure distributed to Interstate Centers, state parks, motels, hotels and inns, wineries, and campgrounds
• Information packages for convention visitors
• Student marketing program for Cornell and Ithaca College students

• We want to become "the best small city downtown in America".
• We want to be a 24.7 downtown.
• We want to become a "must-see" destination for visitors and tourists.
• We want to be the region’s commerce and job center.
• We want to be one of the best places in the Northeast to find quality urban living.
• We want to be a pleasant sensory experience for all who visit.

• Add more specialty retail and restaurant space.
• Add more office space and jobs.
• Add new housing.
• Add new visitor attractions.
• Make downtown safe and friendly.

• Attract 1,000 new jobs to downtown within ten years.
• Build at least 150,000 SF of new office space.

• Build at least 250 new or rehabbed units within ten years
• Attract at least 500 new residents to the downtown

• Reopen an arts incubator, art studio space, and a satellite art museum
• Open new visitor attractions such as a New York State Finger Lakes Wine Center and Ithaca Museum Store.

• Add 50,000 SF of new retail space.
• Attract 15-20 new stores to downtown within ten years.

• Add new parking at two locations to meet projected need.
• Inventory and upgrade downtown information infrastructure.
• Make downtown feel safe and secure 24 hours a day.
• Complete downtown capital improvements and put into place a systematic maintenance program.
• Make it easier to drive in downtown by converting to two-way streets.

How will we do it?......

• Partnerships.....We cannot do it alone.
• Resources.....We need funding to lead the charge.
• Community commitment....We can seize the vision.

• We will not accomplish these objectives alone.
• Who are our partners:

• The status quo will not suffice.
• We need a willingness to think big.
• We need resources to lead.

Report and Appointment(s) from the Chair

Vice Chair Lane had no report or appointments.

Report from the County Administrator

Mr. Whicher announced Ward Hungerford, Highway Manager will be retiring at the end of the month. He introduced Norma Jayne, formerly of the Assessment Department. Ms. Jayne has joined the staff in the Department of Administration. Mr. Whicher requested an executive session to discuss contract negotiations.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Wood, Deputy County Attorney, reported the County Attorney’s Office will be working on closing of the Biggs A project. They will also be working on the relocation of the Department of Transportation facility. That is a complex transaction that involves numerous municipalities, the State of New York, and Cornell University.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires had no report.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, the following resolution was added to the agenda:

Authorization to Accept a Grant from the State of New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee for "Enhanced Traffic Safety Coordination"

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

No resolution(s) were withdrawn from the agenda.

Approval of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda

It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment and resolution under the Consent Agenda:

Appointment(s)

Tompkins County Library Board of Trustees

Gary Wolosyn – term expires December 31, 2003

Fire, Disaster, and EMS Advisory Board

Dale Oplinger – Town of Lansing Delegate – term expires December 31, 2003

Thomas A. Dorward – Town of Lansing Alternate – term expires December 31, 2003

Advisory Board on Indigent Representation

George Totman – County Representative

Barbara Blanchard – County Representative

RESOLUTION NO. 51 - AMENDING WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL BYLAWS

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

WHEREAS, the restructured Water Resources Council was established by Resolution No. 57 of 2000, and

WHEREAS, the aforementioned resolution called for the Water Resources Council to make a recommendation of the "bylaws, rules and procedures for its operation for the approval of the County Board of Representatives, and

WHEREAS, the Water Resources Council developed and adopted a proposed set of Bylaws at its January 29, 2001 meeting, and

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning Committee, That Article III, Section 5 be amended to read: "Term. The term of membership is three years, coinciding with the calendar year, except that (a) the Board of Representatives seat shall be for one year, (b) initial appointments will be staggered so that one-third the voting membership's terms expires every year, and (c) an associate member’s term will end at the end of the second December after appointment. Members may apply for reappointment without limit, but are not guaranteed reappointment."

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported today’s meeting was canceled due to a lack of business. He reported on the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance and said there has been a heavy volume of phone calls received by both the Board Office and himself in the past week.

Mr. Stein clarified the role of the County and stated the County is not in the business of buying or selling electric power but to organize the market power of citizens, businesses, and municipalities by following the municipal bidding process to get the best price possible by offering to companies that are selling electricity a group market. At this time the County has a group market of approximately 1,600 accounts of which 1,300 are residential and the remaining are municipalities, schools, and businesses. Mr. Stein said the County finds the lowest cost energy provider that can provide the service needed. This program is operated on a volunteer basis.

Mr. Stein said in the middle of the last period of negotiations the State Public Service Commission changed one of the rules by going to a fluctuating market price for electricity. If they did not do this the County would not have received any bids because the price of electricity is much higher than what people are now paying. By allowing the utility companies to go to a fluctuating market price if the market goes up, that goes up. However, at the same time they have placed a cap on the total price. The total price includes the price of the electricity and the price of the delivery of that electricity. He said a letter went out from NYSEG describing this a few days ago and has caused people to have a fear that prices will be fluctuating and they will not have any control. He reassured the public that this is not the case because of the cap that has been placed on these prices.

At this time customers have three choices. They may sign up with Advantage Energy who is the lowest bidder, stay with NYSEG Solutions, or go back to NYSEG. Mr. Stein said NYSEG Solutions was the second highest bidder and would also offer savings, but not as much savings as Advantage Energy. Mr. Stein reported NYSEG Solutions, the current provider, recently mailed a letter to all customers notifying customers that if they don’t switch to Advantage Energy they will automatically continue to receive electricity from them. Mr. Stein stated this letter has caused a great amount of confusion to customers and assured everyone that Advantage Energy is sending out information to customers and it should be received within the next couple of days. Mr. Stein said the opportunity for new customers to sign up is now open and the new contract allows anyone to sign up at any time through the duration of the contract.

A question was raised in regard to the sentence in NYSEG Solution’s letter to customers that states if they are not contacted customers will automatically revert to NYSEG Solution. Mr. Lane questioned the legality of the negative "check-off" system and stated he this caused a lot of people a great amount of needless confusion. Mr. Stein said this issue was raised with the Public Service Commission.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County STOP-DWI Office has been awarded a grant from the State of New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee in the amount of $8,000 for reimbursement for development and coordination of traffic safety public information campaigns, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County accept the grant of $8,000 to be used for the purpose of the aforementioned initiatives,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following adjustments to his books for 2001:

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

Revenue: A4250.43809 Other State Aid $8,000

Appropriation: A4250.54330 Printing $5,000

A4250.54412 Travel and Training $3,000

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

WHEREAS, public records are subject to statutory retention requirements and are currently housed in various locations throughout Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, there is a growing need for more space to house and protect County records, and

WHEREAS, the current system of housing and protecting County records can be done more efficiently, and

WHEREAS, certain of those records are historic in nature and provide information relative to the history of one’s family or personal property, and

WHEREAS, centralization of this information would provide a setting for research on many levels and host to a civic center for enhanced learning for all ages, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Space Needs and Location and Government Operations Committees, That the Board of Representatives hereby confirms its intent to address growing space and record protection needs, and provide the public with a centralization of information in an effort to encourage historical and familial research,

RESOLVED, further, That the Space Needs and Locations Committee be directed to pursue the concept of a Records Archive and Research Center and the appropriate grant funding for such an endeavor.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

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

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met again today and discussed the reorganization of the Public Works Department. The Committee heard from the Solid Waste Manager who reported the list of trash haulers in Tompkins County continues to grow. At the present time there are approximately seven who perform door-to-door pick up. Robert Nicholas, Airport Manager, spoke about the General Aviation facility and said it continues to be a real problem for the Airport because that is where all of the civilian air traffic comes through Tompkins County. Mr. Nicholas is exploring funding possibilities to replace the facility. Donald Barber, Town of Caroline Supervisor, was in attendance and spoke about possible "road swapping" as a possible means to reduce maintenance expenses on the part of the County and municipalities.

RESOLUTION NO. 54 - AUTHORIZATION TO CHANGE THE NAME OF TOMPKINS

COUNTY AIRPORT TO ITHACA/TOMPKINS REGIONAL

AIRPORT

MOVED by Mr. Todd, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

WHEREAS, the Air Service Task Force, in conjunction with the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Tompkins County Area Development, has recommended a change of the airport's name to Ithaca Regional Airport since air travelers identify Ithaca as a destination point rather than Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, in making the recommendation the Task Force has concluded that the present name of Tompkins County Airport has little recognition value outside of this community, and

WHEREAS, the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee proposed the compromise name of Ithaca/Tompkins Regional Airport, which would include the destination shown in airline schedules, portray the type of facility it is and the important role it plays in the community, but still retain the County's name, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the airport's name be changed to Ithaca/Tompkins Regional Airport,

RESOLVED, further, That the Airport Manager be and hereby is authorized to make the appropriate changes to implement the intent and purpose of this resolution.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 55 - AUDIT OF FINAL PAYMENT - TOMPKINS COUNTY

WHEREAS, DJC General Contracting, Inc., has completed their general construction contract for the Tompkins County Courthouse HVAC project, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the following claim against the County of Tompkins, be and hereby is audited by the Board of Representatives:

Vendor Payment Request Account No. Amount

DJC General 8 (Final) HB1601.16.43 $2,950.00

Contracting, Inc.

RESOLVED, further, That the Finance Director be and hereby is authorized and directed to pay said claim from Account No. HB1601.59239.16.43.

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee will meet tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. She announced the Women’s Opportunity Center will host an Open House on March 23^rd from 4 – 6 p.m. She also announced the annual report from Foodnet has been received.

Report from the Charter Review Committee

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee continues to meet and is awaiting the remainder of census data. He said the Committee continues to work towards redistricting this year. Software has been received that will allow them to download block data and begin generating maps and putting together various redistricting scenarios. Mr. Lane said he mailed a letter to 88 elected officials throughout the County to alert them of the Committee’s activities.
 
 
 
 

Report from the Communications Capital Projects 0Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported Mikel Shakarjian of the Planning Department will be reporting to the Committee on the comments that have been received in the last month in response to the scoping document for the SEQR review.

Report from the Information Management Committee

Ms. Kiefer, Chair, reported the Committee has not met. They are awaiting the arrival of the new Director of Information Technology Services before meeting again.

Report from Intermunicipal Planning Committee

Mr. Lane reported the Committee will meet on March 23^rd at 9:30 a.m. in the Scott Heyman Conference Room.

Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee

Mr. Lane reported the Committee will meet on March 23^rd at 11:30 a.m. in the Scott Heyman Conference Room.

Report from the Tompkins 2020 Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Quality-of-Life Committee will meet on April 4^th. He said it will take four to six weeks to print the final report.

Approval of Minutes of March 6, 2001

It was MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lalley, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of March 6, 2001 as submitted. MINUTES APPROVED.

Recess

Vice Chairman Lane declared recess from 7:05 – 7:15 p.m.

Executive Session

It was MOVED by Mr. Lalley, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to enter into executive session at 7:15 p.m. to discuss contract negotiations.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.