Local Law No. 2 of 2000

        Ms. Mink called the first public hearing to order at 5:30 p.m. concerning a proposed Local Law Providing for Tax Exemptions for Historic Properties.

        Ms. Mink asked if anyone wished to speak. No one wished to speak and the public hearing was closed at 5:31 p.m.

Local Law No. 1 of 2000

        Ms. Mink called the second public hearing to order at 5:31 p.m. concerning a proposed Local Law Amending Chapter 80 of the Tompkins County Charter and Code Regarding the County Traffic Safety Board.

        Ms. Mink asked if anyone wished to speak.

        Mr. Meskill, Sheriff, urged the Board to approve the proposed law. He said there is a need for the Traffic Safety Board to be created locally to use as a mechanism to gain grant funding from the State. He is in the process now of putting together a small grant for child restraint devices and it requires a signature from that particular committee.

        No one else wished to speak and Ms. Mink closed the public hearing at 5:32 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of Members

        Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

        Present: 12 Representatives (Ms. Davis arrived at 5:50 p.m.). Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Penniman, and Schuler).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

        Frances Helmstadter, City of Ithaca, spoke about jail expansion and alternatives to jail. She said she has had recent experience in the criminal justice area. She completed the group discussions organized by the League of Women Voters on the criminal justice system. She also spoke about an organization she was involved in following the death of her husband and son by a drunk driver called PARKIT (Prevent Alcohol Related Killings and Injuries in Tompkins County) which later affiliated nationally with an organization called RID (Remove Intoxicated Drivers). The organization addressed the issues of drunk driving--in particular prevention, public safety, public education, victim's assistance, legislative changes, and saving lives. It was felt a multi-pronged approach was essential for this complex problem and that there needed to be an ongoing effort. She urged the Board to promote a multi-pronged approach to crime in the community. She asked the Board to commit to spending money and time reviewing, evaluating, and investing alternatives to jail before approving multi-million dollars for a jail expansion.

        Lewis Ward, Newfield, also spoke against jail expansion and support for cost-effective alternatives. These alternatives can empower the victim and community, hold the offenders accountable and allow for reintegration of the offenders back into the community. Jail only punishes and temporarily incapacitates the offender. He said jails are graduate schools for crime offering few useful skills for the real world and furthering the offender's disfunctionality. He spoke about his personal experience with the federal prison system. He said his life did not get turned around because of prison, but in spite of it. He is grateful he had an insightful parole officer, one who steered him in the right direction and he could learn to trust. Support for alternatives to incarceration is not coddling criminals, it is the premium paid to have the community allow for a person's reconciliation. He understands the community's concern that safety must be addressed, but effective solutions to crime problems need to be sought and the reintegration of the offender must also be a priority. There is an opportunity and resources available to develop a better criminal justice process. He challenged elective leaders to develop long-term solutions for the victims, community, and the offenders.

        Elspeth Rhodin, a Quaker, spoke about her work during the 1970's when she taught at the jail. At that time, there was a need for someone to teach the high school graduation GED and exercise programs. She stated that over the years she has seen change, but not progress. She said the jail was located downtown and there was room for Offender Aid and Restoration, teaching, and Yoga and meditation classes. She said it was a matter of reaching the inmates as people. She commented that when the jail relocated, she stopped to visit but was unable to get in. She noted there are more rules now and the population is larger, but the attitude seems to be one of aggressive punitive point of view rather than trying to reeducate. She spoke about meetings she has attended recently that ex-inmates have also attended and the one thing they all said was the system should be accountable. The requirements put on them should be specific, fulfilled, and recognized. She said we need to look at what change has happened since the 1970's to make sure that it is progress.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

        Barbara Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, spoke about the Ithaca Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program. She reported she attended the annual meeting of the Family Self-Sufficiency Advisory Board and learned the Three-Pillar Foundation has been selected by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for inclusion in the national best practices in Welfare Reform manual that is being prepared nationally. The Housing Authority has received a grant from HUD for $46,350 to allow them to expand the program. They will be starting a children's curriculum that begins with kids in the very young years teaching them how to read labels, check sale prices, and how to manage their money.

        Mr. Joseph, District No. 12 Representative, again reported on statistics. He said the United States has five percent of the World's population, it has 25 percent of the World's prisoners. How can the number of people we have incarcerated compared to everyone else in the World be explained. He feels there are two possibilities. The first is Americans are particularly violent and prone to crime or the second is people in other countries have found more effective ways to deal with crime that involve locking up fewer people and getting better results on reducing crime.

        Ms. Davis arrived at this time.

        Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, reminded everyone that today is "super" Tuesday. There are a number of presidential primaries going on across the nation, today is New York State's opportunity to select a candidate and encouraged people to go out and vote.

Report from Environmental Management Council on Solar Panels

        Ms. Mink stated this presentation was being postponed to the next meeting to allow more facts and figures to be gathered.

Communications Project Presentation

        Barbara Blanchard, Chair, Communications Capital Projects Committee, provided the Board with a brief overview of the Communications Team's efforts with their meetings in the municipalities concerning the communications upgrade.

        At this time, a short excerpt from the video "Why Can't We Talk" was shown. The video demonstrated the need for the public safety community to be able to communicate within itself. The term "interoperability" is mentioned a number of times.

        Ms. Blanchard stated the County's current system suffers from three problems:

• Poor coverage in many areas of the County--some rural, some in the center city. These areas have weak or non-existent radio penetration.
• Loss of frequencies and the narrow banding of frequencies as a result of actions at the federal level-- refarming or auctioning of frequencies to commercial interests and reallocation of frequencies to bring additional users into the spectrum.
• Failure of our paging system in too many instances.

        The new system will improve the coverage to an acceptable industry standard, provide the interoperability needed, solve paging problems, and will put the County on frequencies reserved for public safety purposes.

        Ms. Blanchard reported that the Committee is moving forward on the following:

• Developing a financial plan for the system including options for how new radios will be purchased.
• Determining the process and content for the environmental review of the system proposal.
• Developing the procurement documents that will allow the County to firm up the numbers in the capital program and bid the system. A resolution will be prepared to allow County Administration to move ahead with optioning properties that have value for the system.

        Ms. Kiefer asked if Ms. Blanchard had any idea how much land is to be optional. Ms. Blanchard estimated about one acre per tower.

Report from the Chair

        Ms. Mink announced the deadline for the first payment from Renzo, Landmark Developers for the Biggs Complex, has passed but there is assurance of continued interest. The issue is the historic designation of Biggs on which their whole financial and development plan rests. There has been some difficulty in communicating with various agencies about getting that kind of designation. Until there is some assurance of that designation, they want to continue holding on the option. She feels and the County Attorney agrees, that it is in the County's best interest to let that deadline pass for a little while and see what emerges. The Biggs Disposition Committee will need to meet in the next couple of weeks.

Report from the Intermunicipal Resource Sharing Committee

        Ms. Mink, Chair, gave the Board an update on its activities. The idea was to meet with municipal leaders to look at the possibility of tax sharing as part of regional land-use development. What has been happening is many brainstorming sessions. She has received many requests for more access from the public to these meetings and is now considering televising them.

Report from the County Administrator

        Mr. Erb reported on the tobacco symposium he attended at NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) last Thursday concerning tobacco settlement funds. He will provide the Board with a detailed report this week on the topic. He provided an overview of the conference, which will also be included in the report. He said much of the discussion was on securitization. It is used when counties sell a portion of the proceeds of their settlement in the form of bonds that allows up-front lump-sum payment in return for a certain number of years of settlement proceeds. He reported that New York City, Westchester, and Nassau Counties have securitized a portion of their proceeds. NYSAC has committed to putting together a consortium of counties that are interested in selling a portion of their proceeds. It is an expensive process and for that reason NYSAC has agreed to pool monies together and therefore share in the costs. Reasons for a county to consider this include diversifying the revenue stream away from the tobacco industry and reliance on the future of that industry, transferring risk to investors or receiving a lump sum up front. The lump sum could be used for funding capital projects with cash as opposed to bonding. He said the County received its first payment in January and the second will be in April. The amounts are lower than expected because the national tobacco consumption dropped to a lower level than anticipated as a result of price increases in the tobacco industry. That pattern is expected to continue but not be as dramatic as 1999. The County is still looking at over $42 million over the next 25 years. There were discussions about the risks involved and pending litigation. This will be covered in more detail in the report. He said the County Board will need to discuss the securitization option and what the County's plan is for the money.

        Mr. Lane asked if there was any discussion about trust funds. Mr. Theisen commented that the only thing mentioned was the need for State legislation. Mr. Erb said he would try to get more information and include it in the report.

        Mr. Joseph said the Budget Committee will be presenting a resolution for the Board to consider concerning securitization, noting he himself is opposed to securitization.

        Mr. Erb continued with his report. He reported that there was discussion at the last Department Head meeting concerning the issue of     lobbying the Board for budget requests. Department Heads would like an opportunity to speak during the process and would support addressing the Board at a meeting of the expanded Budget Committee. He asked the Board members to comment to him on this issue.

Report from the County Attorney

        Mr. Theisen said he also attended the tobacco symposium. He added that there is a separate fund in the agreement for spending for prevention programs nationally. He spoke about the tobacco companies certain requirements and said if there are any violations they should be reported to the Attorney General. He reported on a federal lawsuit pending against the tobacco companies recovery of Medicare which if they are successful could impinge upon the State's monies. He commented that even though the tobacco companies are paying out all this money, they are still making a profit.

        Ms. Mink asked Mr. Erb to include in the report the set aside that is used for tobacco prevention programs on the state and national level.

Report from the Finance Director

        Mr. Squires said he did not have a report.

Additions of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

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

        - Authorization to Accept a Grant from the State of New York Governor's Traffic Safety Committee for the "Buckle Up New York" Campaign
        - Authorization to Execute an Agreement for Schematic Design of the Bostwick Road Facility Expansion
        - Authorizing the County Administrator to Execute a Quitclaim Deed for Town of Dryden Tax Parcel No. 24-1-17-.1

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) from the Agenda

        Chair Mink gave the appropriate committee chairmen permission to withdraw the following resolution and appointment from the agenda:

• Appropriation from Contingent Fund - Program Expenses Related to Tompkins 2020 Committee - Board of Representatives
• Appointment of Jeffrey Zerilli to the Economic Development Loan Oversight Committee (There was a question about his residency.)

        It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following resolution under the Consent Agenda:

RESOLUTION NO. 38 - ASSIGNMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION CONTRACTS TO TOMPKINS CONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT (TCAT)

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

        WHEREAS, Tompkins County awarded an operating contract to Tioga Transport, Inc., (Resolution No. 76 of 1997) and executed the agreement (TCAT 97-2) on August 29, 1997, to operate public transportation services in Tompkins County, and
        WHEREAS, Tompkins County awarded an operating contract to GADABOUT Transportation Services, Inc., (Resolution No. 308 of 1996) and executed the agreement (TCAT 2-96) on February 22, 1997 to operate ADA paratransit services in Tompkins County, and
        WHEREAS, these contracts precede the consolidation of public transportation services administered by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), and
        WHEREAS, Tompkins County desires to further the efficient administration of these agreements by assigning them to TCAT, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives does assign the above-cited agreements with Tioga Transport, Inc., and GADABOUT Transportation Services, Inc., to Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit,
        RESOLVED, further, That TCAT will be responsible to procure these public transportation services in the future.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Appointments Approved Under the Consent Agenda

        It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointments under the Consent Agenda:

Fish and Wildlife Management Board
Roger Bennett - Alternate Sportsman Representative - Expiring 31, 2001

Tompkins County Water Resources Technical Committee
Carl Crispell - Town of Danby Representative - Expiring December 31, 2000

Tompkins County Planning Federation
Fred T. Wilcox III - Town of Ithaca Representative - Expiring December 31, 2002

Economic Development Loan Oversight Committee
Gary Watrous - Bank Representative - Ongoing Appointment
Henry Theisen - County Attorney - Ongoing Appointment
Michael B. Stamm - Tompkins County Business Advisory (TCAD) - Ongoing Appointment

Community Mental Health Services Board Substance Abuse Subcommittee
Arthur Hardison - Community Member Representative - Expiring December 31, 2002

Fire, Disaster and EMS Advisory Board
Richard Young - Town of Dryden Alternate - Expiring December 31, 2000
Phillip McNeil - Village of Cayuga Heights Delegate Expiring December 31, 2002
Jeffrey Randall - Village of Cayuga Heights Alternate - Expiring December 31, 2002
Michael DiVonti - Village of Cayuga Heights Delegate - Expiring December 31, 2001
William Evans - Village of Cayuga Heights Alternate - Expiring December 31, 2001

Community Affirmative Action Committee
Brenda Jones - Employee Representative - Expiring December 31, 2000
Cheryl Nelson - Supervisor Representative - Expiring December 31, 2000
Gino Bush - Citizen At-Large - Expiring December 31, 2002
Lynette Chappell-Williams - Local Affirmative Action Professional - Expiring December 31, 2000

Library Board of Trustees
Dorothy Reddington - Expiring December 31, 2002
Margaret Hendricks - Expiring December 31, 2002

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

        Mr. Totman, Chairman, said the Committee has not met. The next meeting is March 9^th at noon.

RESOLUTION NO. 39 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 1 of 2000 - A LOCAL LAW AMENDING CHAPTER 80 OF THE TOMPKINS COUNTY CHARTER AND CODE REGARDING THE COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD

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

        WHEREAS, it would benefit the residents of Tompkins County to have an active Traffic Safety Board, and
        WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held before the Board of Representatives on March 7, 2000, to hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. 1 of 2000, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That Local Law No. 1 of the year 2000 - A Local Law Amending Chapter 80 of the Tompkins County Charter and Code regarding the County Traffic Safety Board is adopted,
        RESOLVED, further, That the membership of the Traffic Safety Board will consist of the following members:

SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 40 - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK GOVERNOR’S TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR THE "BUCKLE UP NEW YORK" CAMPAIGN

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

        WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office applied for grant monies from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in the amount of $5,460 seeking reimbursement for participation in the statewide "BUCKLE UP NEW YORK" campaign, and
        WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a grant from the State of New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee in the amount of $5,460 for participating in the statewide "BUCKLE UP NEW YORK" campaign, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County accept the grant of $5,460 to be used for the purpose of the aforementioned campaign.
        RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following adjustments to his books for 2000:
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
Revenue                 A3113-42770         Other Misc. Revenues             $5,460
Appropriation       A3113-51200         Overtime Pay                             $5,460
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning and Intermunicipal Coordination Committee

        Mr. Lane, Chairman, said the Committee met February 16^th and heard several reports. There was discussion with the Water Resources Council Subcommittee about the recommendation to consider combining the Water Resources Technical Committee and the Water Resources Council. That discussion will continue at the next meeting. The Committee also heard a report from Sharon Anderson concerning the Cayuga Lake Watershed Management Planning Project and the establishment of a new watershed committee, the Fall Creek Watershed Committee, which will be working with Cooperative Extension. The new person for the Circuit Rider position was introduced, Karen Flores. He reported the Housing and Urban Development federal office has questioned the lack of progress in the application for the old Portland Point Project. The Committee requested the Planning Commissioner to find out the status of that application. He said the Committee adopted the following goals for this year:

• Clarify salary structure in the Planning Department (this item was debated and a resolution prepared for Board approval)
• Review Planning Federation Board (quorum and membership)
• Review and establish Vital Communities Project
• Review Aquifer Study and develop a process for using it that is focused on assisting municipalities
• Review Water Resources Council Subcommittee's report and recommendations
• Review charge of Commercial Center Revitalization Committee
• Bring closure on Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board (STERBD) issue (A meeting was held with representatives from Oswego County who recently severed their relationship with STERPD).
• Do more outreach (hold meetings in various municipalities)
• Review appointment procedures for various advisory boards

        MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present. Mr. Lane noted that the Planning Department will be encouraged to make a proposal for a budget request for permanent funding and a target increase for 2001 for all positions in the Department.

        WHEREAS, the Department of Planning has need for additional services from staff, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning and Intermunicipal Coordination and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the following positions be increased from 35.0 to 40.0 hours per week effective March 5, 2000:

• Circuit Rider Planner, labor grade (N), (14/694), white collar
• Community Development Planner, labor grade (N), (14/717), white collar
• Planning Analyst, labor grade (N), (14/684), white collar
• Water Resources Planner, labor grade (N), (14/516), white collar

• Secretary, labor grade (J), (10/671), white collar
• Principal Account Clerk/Typist, labor grade (K), (11/673), white collar

RESOLUTION NO. 42 - IN SUPPORT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A VETERANS ADMINISTRATION MEDICAL CLINIC TO SERVICE VETERANS IN TOMPKINS AND CORTLAND COUNTIES AT A SITE WHICH IS GEOGRAPHICALLY CONVENIENT FOR VETERANS IN BOTH COUNTIES

        MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present. Mr. Lane reported Congressman Hinchey's office is very interested in this issue. He also said the Veteran's Administration in Syracuse will be doing request for proposals and will try to solicit as many proposals as possible for both counties. Mr. Proto commented that the Vietnam Veteran's Chapter 377 endorses this 100 percent.

        WHEREAS, there are approximately 6,350 United States armed forces veterans who reside in Tompkins County, and approximately 4,800 who reside in Cortland County, and
        WHEREAS, while these armed services veterans are entitled to receive medical care at United States Veterans Administration facilities, they currently must travel long distances to obtain services at Veterans Administration hospitals in large cities like Syracuse, and
        WHEREAS, the Veterans Administration is considering establishing a local medical clinic to serve veterans in Tompkins and Cortland Counties, and
        WHEREAS, the establishment of such a local clinic will enhance the availability of services for veterans who are residents of Tompkins and Cortland Counties, and
        WHEREAS, veterans in both Tompkins and Cortland Counties, ought to have equal access to any new clinic, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning and Intermunicipal Coordination Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of     Representatives supports the establishment of a local United States Veterans Administration clinic to provide medical services for veterans who reside in Tompkins and Cortland Counties,
        RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives urges that the Veterans Administration clinic should be sited at a geographic location which is reasonably equidistant from the population centers of each county, to enable convenient and equal access for veterans residing in both Tompkins and Cortland Counties.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

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

        Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the Committee met February 27^th and most of the Committee's business is reflected on the agenda. She announced that at the March 14^th meeting there will be a detailed discussion with the Solid Waste Division staff about the operational procedures for the Household Hazardous Waste facility. In addition, she reported that with the completion of the Newfield Covered Bridge enhancement project, the community has expressed interest in establishing displays and posibly a museum and applying for a covered bridge charter. The Committee has not yet reviewed their goals, but will first review the Division Managers goals when presented.

RESOLUTION NO. 43 - RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION AND DEDICATION OF THE JACK DAUGHERTY CONFERENCE ROOM

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

        WHEREAS, Jack Daugherty served Tompkins County long and faithfully for 31 years, the last eight years of which was as Landfill Supervisor, and
        WHEREAS, he retired December 31, 1994, and passed away December 24, 1999, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Solid Waste Management Division's staff and with the concurrence of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That in recognition of his service to Tompkins County and as a lasting tribute to him, the conference room at the Solid Waste Management Division office located at 122 Commercial Avenue in Ithaca, New York, shall be designated the Jack Daugherty Conference Room.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 44 - CHANGE ORDER - RECYCLING AND SOLID WASTE CENTER EXPANSION - BARTON & LOGUIDICE CONSULTING ENGINEERS

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

        WHEREAS, Resolution No. 143 of 1996 authorized Barton & Loguidice Consulting Engineers to perform engineering services for the design of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center expansion, including design of the Household Hazardous Waste Management Center (HHWM), and
        WHEREAS, the County requested design changes to the new drop-off structures, design of a fire suppression system, and additional site plan work to allow for more efficient facility operations, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the correct contract amount be increased from $62,168.48 to $76,668.48 to be funded from capital account 8166.59239.8169, for design services,
        RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute this change on behalf of the County.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 45 - URGING THE REINSTATEMENT OF FUNDING TO THE CONSOLIDATED HIGHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CHIPS) AND MORE APPROPRIATE SHARING OF POTENTIAL TRANSPORTATION FUNDS

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

        WHEREAS, the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPs) was created in state fiscal year 1981-1982 for the purpose of replacing a dedicated stream of motor vehicle registration fees and taxes that counties had been receiving, and
        WHEREAS, CHIPs funding is based on a statutory formula using the number of county-specific motor vehicle registrations and number of center line mileage, and
        WHEREAS, notwithstanding the statutory formula, CHIPs payments have not been consistent and are subject to annual budget appropriations by the Governor and State Legislature, and
        WHEREAS, Governor Pataki has proposed to eliminate the county share of CHIPs preventive-maintenance funding of approximately $35 million in his Executive Budget Proposal for State Fiscal Year 2000-2001, and
        WHEREAS, the Governor targeted the elimination of CHIP's maintenance funding for counties only and has preserved the funding for towns, cities (except New York City), and villages, and
        WHEREAS, eliminating county maintenance funding will also have detrimental intergovernmental effects and hinder partnerships counties currently have with other units of local government, and
        WHEREAS, a 1999 highway and bridge funding report published by the New York State Association of Counties, New York State Conference of Mayors, New York State Association of Towns, New York State County Highway Superintendents Association, and the New York State Town Highway Superintendents Association identifies a funding shortfall for all municipalities over and above existing levels of nearly $9 billion, including the City of New York, and
        WHEREAS, instead of eliminating funding for local infrastructure repair, state funding should be increased significantly, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives goes on record urging the CHIPs preventive-maintenance funding be restored and enhanced and that the CHIPs capital funding be significantly increased to address local road and bridge deficiencies,
        RESOLVED, further, That during the 2000 Legislative Session, should the Governor and State Legislature advance a voter-approved Transportation Bond Act to go before the electorate in November 2000, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives strongly urges a greater percentage of bond proceeds be dedicated to local government projects,
        RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives shall forward copies of this Resolution to Governor George E. Pataki, Senator James Seward, Senator John Kuhl, Assemblyman Martin Luster and all others deemed necessary and proper.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 46 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – HUMAN SERVICES BUILDING COOLING TOWER - BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

        MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 0, Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Penniman, and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

        WHEREAS, the Human Services Building cooling tower, which is outside the building, on the roof, was intended to be taken off line and drained during the winter months, and
        WHEREAS, a need for the cooling system to be operative year around has become evident as temperature fluctuations within the facility range from unbearable warmth at the central core to a more comfortable or often cooler temperature around the perimeter of the facility, and
        WHEREAS, the building’s HVAC system is designed to automatically and appropriately respond to the various internal temperature fluctuations providing heating or cooling as necessary, and
        WHEREAS, the original system design uses water as the coolant in the cooling tower, which is subject to freezing as the ambient air temperature nears zero degrees Fahrenheit and the building system is not in need of cooling, and
        WHEREAS, the coil serving the cooling tower sustained irreparable damage caused by freezing of the water twice over the last two years, once prior to occupancy, and once again in January, 2000, and
        WHEREAS, it has been determined that in order to prevent this from recurring, the current HVAC unit must be modified to enable the use of a coolant/water mixture which will suppress the freezing point to –28 degrees Fahrenheit, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That $62,000 be appropriated from the Contingent Fund into the Buildings and Grounds budget to upgrade the cooling tower system and add a 50 percent propylene glycol/water mixture to the system.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-1

RESOLUTION NO. 47 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR SCHEMATIC DESIGN OF THE BOSTWICK ROAD FACILITY EXPANSION

        MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present. Mr. Joseph said he would appreciate it if the design provides an option of phasing the construction.

        WHEREAS, a preliminary cost estimate for the expansion for the Bostwick Road facility for the inclusion of Buildings and Grounds and the renovation of the Highway Department facilities needs to be further refined through Schematic Design prior to recommending any modification to the Capital Program, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County Administrator is directed to sign a contract with Schickel Architects for a not to exceed total of $26,000 to complete Schematic Design for the Bostwick Road Facility Expansion and Renovation, with funds available from the Capital fund HZ 9576.54400,
        RESOLVED further, That the remaining $38,590 may be used for change orders and miscellaneous project expenses,
        RESOLVED further, That the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute change orders up to $5,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report from the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee

        Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said the Committee discussed and approved its goals as follows:

• Develop a better picture of the overall budget situation and share it more effectively with the Board.
• Develop a better understanding of the sources of fund balance surpluses in the past and potential surpluses and revenues in the future. Notable issues include Kendra's Law, Health Care Plus, and fund balance surpluses.
• Propose longer range plans for budgeting.
• Better integration of capital spending and operating budget decisions.

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Government Operations Committee

        Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, said the Committee met March 2^nd and most of the Committee's business is reflected in the form of resolutions. The Committee began the discussion of initiating a policy on "naming" opportunities for County-owned spaces in honor of individuals. It was noted that the revaluation notices have gone out. The Assessment Department was prepared to handle 20 percent of people asking for informal hearings. To date, only about five percent have requested them.

RESOLUTION NO. 48 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION OF 2000 CENSUS – PUBLIC INFORMATION

        MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Proto. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 0, Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Penniman, and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

        WHEREAS, Census 2000 promotion activity for Tompkins County is a critical task for the Public Information Officer during the first several months of 2000, and
        WHEREAS, staff resources have been allocated for this task by both the Public Information Officer and Administrative Services Assistant in the County Administrator’s Office, and
        WHEREAS, expenses related to advertising and promotion of the Census 2000 are not currently available in the Public Information program budget, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the following budget appropriation be made:

        FROM:             A1990.54400         Contingent Fund                     $2,500
        TO:                   A1988.54400         Public Info Program Expense $2,500
        RESOLVED, further, That these funds be appropriated for 2000 only and do not affect future Fiscal Targets.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 49 - ADOPTION OF LOCAL LAW NO. 2 OF 2000 - A LAW PROVIDING FOR TAX EXEMPTIONS FOR HISTORIC PROPERTIES

        MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Stein. Mr. Proto requested to abstain from voting as he may have properties now and in the future in an historic district. Mr. Stein disclosed that he owns property within an historic district. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 11, Noes - 0, Abstentions - 1 (Representative Proto), Excused - 3 (Representatives Evans, Penniman, and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

        WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held before the Board of Representatives on March 7, 2000, to hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2000, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That proposed Local Law No. 2 of 2000 - A Law Providing for Tax Exemptions for Historic Properties, be and hereby is adopted,
        RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file one certified copy in the Office of the County Clerk, and one copy with the Secretary of State.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

RESOLUTION NO. 50 - AURHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR TO EXECUTE A QUITCLAIM DEED FOR TOWN OF DRYDEN TAX PARCEL NO. 24-1-17.1 TO RONALD AND CAROL BECK

        MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.

        WHEREAS, tax parcel no. 24-1-17.1, in the Town of Dryden, is apparently owned by Tompkins County but the deed of the adjoining owners, Ronald and Carol Beck appears to include said tax parcel and it is unclear as to who the correct owner is, and
        WHEREAS, said tax parcel no. 24-1-17.1 is bordered on one side by Fall Creek but has no road frontage and is only 2.12 acres, more or less, and
        WHEREAS, the Department of Planning has determined that another adjoining owner, the Nature Conservancy, has no interest in the parcel, and
        WHEREAS, the property is no longer needed for public use, now therefore be it
        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That said tax parcel be conveyed by quitclaim deed to the adjoining owners, Ronald and Carol Beck, and the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute said deed and any other necessary documents.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

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

        Mr. Todd, Member, said the Committee met February 24^th and will meet again March 23^rd. The Committee heard several reports from Office for the Aging, Department of Social Services, Youth Bureau, and Mental Health. He stated the Department of Social Services is experiencing some serious problems because of the cost of fuel; however, Commissioner Dolan is handling it. He noted that the fuel costs are also affecting the Highway Department's budget. He stated as a result of those high costs of fuel, it will affect the County further down the line. He reported on a change in State funding the Youth Bureau receives for a summer program. In the past, the Youth Bureau has received $90,000 for the summer program, but is now receiving $100,000 for the entire program. The Committee heard a report on Kendra's Law from the Mental Health Department. The impact has not been felt yet, but it is evident that the responsibility for that will become the County's.

RESOLUTION NO. 51 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENTS – VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS

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

        RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committees, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustments on his books:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Youth Bureau (#6)
Revenue               Acct                 Title                         Amt                     Approp             Acct                 Title(s)
A7022                  42070               Contrib. from        $1,500                A7022              54400              Program Expense
                                                          Prv. Agencies
A7022                  43820                Programs for       $1,000                A7022              54400              Program Expense
                                                          Youth
A7026                  42070                Contrib. from       $6,500                A7026              54400              Program Expense
                                                           Prv. Agencies
A7028                  43820                 Programs for       $1,049               A7026              54400              Program Expense
                                                           Youth

Explanation: $1,500 Foundation Grant awarded for Expediter family empowerment funding, to be used as flex funds for families/youth and as stipends for parent advocates doing family/youth advocacy. An additional $1,000 has been added to the Youth Bureau's 2000 OMH CCSI state aid grant for family empowerment funding specifically for training costs (publications, videos, conferences, etc.). Town of Ulysses' United Way funds will be passed through the County for simplicity of claiming and tracking. As in past years, municipalities swap their state aid dollars for county dollars for simplicity of paperwork. Municipalities' state aid was increased for 2000. Therefore, an increase is needed in the account the revenue actually shows up in (account 7028) and an increase in the appropriation account 7026.

Youth Bureau (#3)
Revenue             Acct                     Title                                  Amt                 Approp                 Acct             Title(s)
A7020               43820                   Programs for Youth      $7,900            A7020                  54400          Program Expense

Explanation: Grant awarded for Integrated County Planning for January through December 1999; for $10,000. Recently notified grant has been extended to March 31, 2000. Youth Bureau received the full $10,000 in advance. To date, we have only spent $2,100 of the grant. Therefore, we need to adjust and reappropriate revenue and appropriation from the 1999 budget to the 2000 budget in the amount of $7,900.

Office for the Aging (#4)
Revenue             Acct                     Title                                  Amt                 Approp                 Acct             Title(s)
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $806                 A6771                    51000            Salary
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $728                 A6771                    54412            Travel & Training
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $140                 A6771                    54303            Supplies
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $100                 A6771                    54472            Telephone
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $ 25                  A6771                    54332             Books
A6771                 43803                     State Revenues             $201                 A6771                    58800             Fringes

Explanation: State grant for Ombudsman Program.

Planning and Coord. Children Special Needs (#2)
Revenue             Acct                     Title                                  Amt                 Approp                 Acct             Title(s)
A4047                43489                  Other State Aid             $2,000             A4047                  54442           Prof. Services
A4047                43489                  Other State Aid             $3,000             A4047                  54400           Program Expense

Explanation: Tompkins County has been approved to receive state funding for enhancement of the Early Intervention Program.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20

Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

        Mr. Stein, Chairman, said the Committee met February 28^th. The Committee is experiencing some difficulty with getting through its agenda. The Committee is going to try to split the agenda and alternate different programs in departments from one month to another. The Committee received a monthly report from Tompkins County Area Development on its Economic Development Strategy Plan. Mr. Proto reported to the Committee about the use of the former Danby school. The Workforce Development program was discussed. The Committee learned that since the Private Industry Council partnership with Broome and Tioga Counties was severed, the County has gained money rather than lost money for job training programs. The reason is the County's unemployment rate is so low and did not change when the partnership ceased. The Committee discussed the tourism program for 2000 and approved the contract with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau. It is now required that a work plan be prepared annually with the approval of the Board of Representatives. He reported that $1,500 was appropriated from the room tax money for the signage program. The Committee continues to work on the celebrations program. A subcommittee is meeting and will be making a proposal for the committee to review at their next meeting. The process is underway for the tourism program by the Strategic Tourism Advisory Board with a budget of $40,000. The request for proposals were sent out a month ago and a resolution will be prepared and submitted to the Board for approval of those grants. The Committee heard a report on the rural libraries report from Representative Proto and Public Library Director Steiner. The next meeting is March 21^st at noon.

Report from the Census 2000 Committee

        Mr. Proto, Chairman, said the Committee met today. The next meeting of the Complete Count Committee is March 15^th. At that meeting, there will be updates and reports given from the different groups. He reported the City has hired a Census assistant who will be working with Wendy Skinner, Public Information Officer. He complimented Wendy Skinner for all her hard work. He said there will be Questionnaire Assistance Centers (QACs) located in the County including Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Senior Citizen's Center, Public Library, Literacy Volunteers, the colleges and several at Cornell University. There will also be some set up in some of the Townships. The Census forms will be mailed to everyone March 15^th. There is also a number of publicity and promotional efforts taking place.

Report from the Old Library New Future Committee

        Mr. Lane, Chairman, said the Committee received an update at the last meeting on the potential space requirements for the State Court System. A letter was received from Russ Oeschle bringing to the County's attention that there will be a need for another State Supreme Court Chambers. There is also need for more space for the Law Library and Courtroom(s). He said Mr. Oeschle has been invited to attend the next meeting followed with a tour of the Courthouse. He stated that request for proposals will be sent out to the private sector to see if there are any other suggestions for use of the Old Library.

Report from the Public Safety Building Space Committee

        Mr. Joseph, Chairman, corrected the headline that appeared in the Ithaca Journal concerning the jail expansion. It stated the Committee voted to abandon all options for expanding the jail. He said that is not true. He said the Committee continues to look at all of its options and did vote to eliminate some of the possible options including (1) the construction of 196 cells; and (2) doing nothing. The following options are still being considered and discussed:

• deal with various operations issues and mechanical systems, but not increase jail cells
• increase jail cells to 105
• increase jail cells to 135

Report from the Tompkins 2020 Committee

        Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, said the Committee met February 28^th and completed the selection process for the "Tompkins Quality-of-Life 2000" Committee. The first meeting scheduled for that group is March 27^th and it will begin moving forward to develop mechanisms for other community input.

Information Management Committee

        Ms. Kiefer reported that the County has made a decision for technical reasons to no longer participate in the Time Warner INET service, but to establish its own direct line through Clarity Connect for Internet service. It is expected to cost the County less.

Report from the Communications Capital Projects Committee

        Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the Committee will meet March 15^th at the Crash, Fire, and Rescue Building. At that meeting there will be a presentation by the 911 Coordinator from Ontario County.

Approval of Minutes

        It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the February 15^th meeting with the corrections submitted by Ms. Kiefer.

Additional Announcement

        Ms. Mink, Chair, acknowledged the passing of an old friend and colleague, Bob Dennison. She used to work with him at WHCU.

Adjournment

        On motion, the meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m.