Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: 14 Representatives. Excused - 1 (Representative Kiefer).
Presentation of Proclamation(s)
Chair Mink presented the following proclamations:
Homeownership Week in Tompkins County, June 5-19, 1999 to Karl Heck, Community/Economic Development Specialist for the Tompkins County Planning Department
Public Works Week in Tompkins County, May 16-22, 1999 to Cheryl Nelson, Public Works Administrator
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
No member of the public wished to speak. (See below under Mr. Stein's statement.)
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Mr. Stein, District No. 3 Representative, introduced guests in the audience who are from Turkey and are visiting Tompkins County this week as part of the Rotary Club's exchange program.
Ozdemir Kargoz, Team Leader, said they have been in Upstate New York for about four weeks. He extended his appreciation to Rotary International and the hosting families for providing this opportunity to them. Mr. Kargoz said he is the advisor to the Mayor of one of the fourth largest cities of Turkey with 1.5 million population. He introduced other members of the team: Sonay Gunaydin, Fusun Zorlubilek, Yasemin Ozarslan, and Selcuk, Uniutur.
Mr. Stein said he learned that the scale of activity in Tompkins County is quite different than what they are use to. The growth of those cities with populations of 1.5 million each year is approximately 60,000-80,000 each year.
Mr. Stein introduced Fernando de Aragon, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Planning Organization. This afternoon the MPO met and passed the TIP program which is the guidelines for what will receive federal and state funding for the next four years. Mr. Stein said the document has been finalized and copies will be available in the MPO Office.
Mr. de Aragon said there are 33 highway projects; 9 are new projects, 13 are continuing projects from the previous TIP, and 11 projects which have obligated funding. He said there is a breakdown of the projects by funding. He noted the projects are widely distributed around the County.
Mr. Penniman, District No. 15 Representative, announced that today is election day and urged the public to vote in school elections. He noted there is an item on the ballot pertaining to library funding in Trumansburg.
Mr. Evans, District No. 13 Representative, said when the County modified the tobacco control law there was a concern that we were watering down the law. He said a waiver request was received from one business in Tompkins County who requested that all restrictions be waived. He reported that waiver was rejected and this month the business came back with a plan to modify the layout of the business and the plan was unanimously approved by the Board of Health.
Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, reminded the Board that on May 24 at 7 p.m. a public forum on the County's Water Quality Steering Program will be held at the NYSEG auditorium. He announced that a notice has been distributed concerning the Flag Day Parade, and if anyone is interested in participating they should contact Jennifer Luu in the Board Office. Mr. Proto thanked Sheriff Meskill for getting the funding solidified for the monument in Dewitt Park.
Presentation - Homeownership Program
Mr. Stein said he reported at a recent meeting that the Tompkins County Homeownership Program placed its 100th family in a home. He said this program has received recognition throughout the State and one Tompkins County is proud of. Mr. Stein said Karl Heck, Community/Economic Development Specialist for the Planning Department, has been very instrumental in the success of the Program. He said unfortunately, Mr. Heck is leaving employment with the County to take a position in the housing program in Cortland County.
Mr. Stein introduced Karen Swart of Better Housing for Tompkins County, who read the following statement:
"Thank you for giving me a few minutes of your time. I am here as a reporter, update you about the Tompkins County First Time Homeownership program, and as head cheerleader for this great program.
I work for Better Housing of Tompkins County which is a non-profit rural preservation corporation whose mission is to develop and improve affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate income folks in rural Tompkins County.
One way Better Housing helps to address the need for affordable housing in Tompkins County is by administering the County sponsored first-time homeownership program. TCHO provides assistance to qualified first-time home buyers who are at or below 80 percent of the County median income.
HUD has provided the County five grants for the program for a total of $2.7 million. The funding is a small part of a national initiative that HUD and the Clinton Administration have earmarked to increase the percentage of homeownership in the country, especially among previously under-served groups such as single parents and non-traditional families.
The Tompkins County sponsored program provides down payment assistance of 20 percent, occasionally 30 percent, of the purchase price of a house. The assistance takes the form of a 20-year second mortgage with a payment deferred for five years at zero percent interest. Repayment after five years is at three percent interest. In addition, the program provides up to $3,750 to cover closing costs which is added to the second mortgage. The repaid loans are retained by the County to provide more loans for more first-time home buyers in the County. Over $2 million will be available for future Homeownership Program funding.
The program also provides first-time homebuyers with counseling and guidance from beginning to end of the home purchasing process. Counseling includes help with household budgeting, obtaining credit, improving credit standing, working with banks and real estate agents, home inspections, and preparing for closing.
Truly, the Tompkins County Homeownership program puts homeownership within the reach of many low and moderate income people in the County.
By any measure the program is a great success.
- 103 closings to date, with dozens of other folks receiving counseling to help them become eligible in the future
I am happy to introduce Cathy Jenner who recently purchased a home in Dryden through the program. Cathy is a single parent of two little girls, Ashley and Sabrina. She moved here from Alaska a while back and has been living with her parents. She is a typical client in that the homeownership program allowed her to purchase a home of her own.
Many of our clients are single parents, moms and dads, many are couples with and without children, and we serve many single folks. Our latest closing was for a family of ten - that's not so typical!
To be so successful the program receives a lot of support from the staff at County Planning and Better Housing. We also are supported by community members who serve on the oversight committee, and by local bankers and real estate agents.
Stuart Stein represents this Board on the Oversight Committee. He is always an outspoken advocate for affordable housing.
And, of course, Jim Hanson and Karl Heck from County Planning are the Grand Masters of the Program.
I am very proud of the Tompkins County Homeownership Program. There is an ad on TV for FANNIE MAE loans which claim that homeownership builds stronger, safer communities with better schools and services. If that is true, and I believe it is, TCHO benefits the entire community.
I am happy to report that our County program has placed over 300 County residents in homes of their own".
Mr. Winch complimented Mr. Heck for his work and dedication to Tompkins County and wished him well in his new position. This sentiment was echoed by all Board members.
Report on the Library Construction Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, reported that the Committee met and discussed several of the comments that were made in response to the presentation given at the last Board meeting. Ms. Mink said there was concern raised about the curved wall and the loss of space that might create. She said although the loss of square footage would be 1,000 sq. ft., the net loss of the entire footprint is only 200 sq. ft. because there are quite a few additions to the mezzanine level where the administrative offices will be. The other concern expressed was about windows and the possibility of there being too much glass or too many windows. She said Mr. Winch's question about the R factor has not been quantified, but will. She said the design includes shaded windows that have awnings. The entrance of the building has been redesigned in response to concerns about safety. The circular entrance has been slightly shifted and a guardrail will be put up. Ms. Mink said the architects will be preparing a three- dimensional model of the building to show that the entrance is not as "massive" at it appeared to be. She said the Committee also discussed the current state of design and negotiations with the Finger Lakes Library in response to questions that have been raised concerning whether the space will accommodate all parties involved and whether they will be able to afford the new lease. The Finger Lakes Library System Board should have a decision for the Committee in June.
Chair's Appointment(s)
Chair Mink made the following appointments:
Communications Capital Project Committee
Barbara Blanchard, Chair
Tim Joseph, Vice Chair
Charles Evans
Michael Koplinka-Loehr
Michael Lane
Responsibilities: Communications Towers Project, Consolidated 911 Center, and New York State Department of Transportation Site Project. Other responsibilities may be added as necessary depending on relevance.
Chair's Report
Ms. Mink reminded all Board members of the importance of speaking directly into their microphone.
Clerk of the Board's Report
Mrs. Covert reminded the Board that financial disclosure forms are due and that the Ethics Advisory Board will meet on June 4 to review the forms on file.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Erb recommended the following department head reappointments:
Alice Cole, Public Health Director - 5 year term
Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner of Social Services - 5 year term
Anita Fitzpatrick, Personnel Commissioner - 6 year term
It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the appointments as recommended by Mr. Erb.
Mr. Erb reported he was contacted by Dan O'Donnell, County Administrator of Steuben County, to see if there is any interest in a legislator/department head exchange program. If any Board member is interested they should contact Mr. Erb.
Mr. Winch asked what the status is of filling the position of Public Works Commissioner. Mr. Erb said this subject will be discussed at the next Facilities and Operations Committee meeting.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen reported the items he discussed at the last meeting are still pending. He said he and his staff will be attending a meeting of the County Attorney's Association next week.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires said a resolution appears on tonight's agenda that authorizes the conveyance of properties that were sold at auction. He reported for the first time in his memory, everyone who bid on a property at the auction came in and paid for the property. He said about half of the properties were purchased by owners of neighboring properties. Mr. Squires said the County's annual financial report has been filed with the Clerk of the Board and forwarded to the State of New York.
Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Lane, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to add the resolution to the agenda entitled Authorization to Contract with Garrity Communications, Inc. for Marketing and Public Relations Services for the Tompkins County Airport.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chair Mink granted Ms. Blanchard, Chair of the Facilities and Operations Committee, permission to withdraw from the agenda the resolution entitled Authorizing the Tompkins County Airport, Already Established as a Member of the County Fire Mutual Aid Plan, to Accept Liability for Outside Aid Per the Requirements of Section 209 of the General Municipal Law of 1993.
Approval of Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda
On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:
Strategic Tourism Planning Board
Charles Trautman, Vice Chairman
Tompkins County Youth Board
Gailanne Mackenzie, Village of Groton Representative - term expires December 31, 2000
Hillview Road Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee
Alissa Ede, At-large Representative - term expires December 31, 2001
Greater Ithaca Activities Center Board of Directors
Susanne Davis, County Representative - term expires December 31, 1999
Community Affirmative Action Committee
Thomas Baskin-Bey, Human Rights Representative - term expires December 31, 1999
Report from the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. Mr. Lane also thanked Karl Heck for his service to Tompkins County. He announced that Tom Chefalo from the Planning Department will also be leaving employment with Tompkins County for an employment opportunity in another area. Mr. Lane said the Committee continues to work in subcommittees on different boards and agencies that report to the Committee. He said the Committee met briefly before the Board meeting to discuss the Southern Tier East Regional Planning and Development Board. The money for that Board is being held in the County's Contingency Fund until the County can be satisfied that administration of that Board has improved the way it should. That issue will be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Lane said a recommendation has come to the Committee from the subcommittee that has been working on the restructuring of the Environmental Management Council and that will also be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Lane said last week he attended the Caroline Town Board meeting and said it was very educational. He encouraged other Board members to attend municipal board meetings to hear discussion on items they are working on.
Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 13th and passed resolutions that will appear on the next Board agenda because they still need action by other standing committees. Mr. Stein said the Committee approved the establishment of two new positions of Job Developer for the Workforce Development Board. These positions will receive federal funding and will have no impact on the County budget. They are part of the new operation of the Workforce Development program that has been created because of several actions related to the Workforce Investment Act. The Committee is in the process of approving bylaws for the Workforce Development Board and those will be sent out with the next Board agenda. Mr. Stein said the Committee received an informative presentation from Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner of Social Services, and others about the voluntary Medicaid managed-care program that the County will be undertaking some time this summer. Mr. Stein informed the Board that the two-year effort by Tompkins County Area Development to prepare an economic strategy plan for the County is now coming to an end. The plan will be presented to the Board within the next couple of months.
Mr. Stein reported the Committee approved a letter that was sent to each municipality giving information about funding that is available for celebrations and requesting that applications be made by June 9 so that the Committee can consider them at the meeting on June 10. Mr. Stein said copies of the letter have been distributed to all Board members. Mr. Stein asked Mr. Penniman to provide the Committee with a report on taxes and tax exemptions from his meeting in Albany last week.
Mr. Penniman said he went to Albany last week along with two members of the Ithaca City Common Council to meet with the Assembly committees on real property taxation and education. There were two issues discussed. The first issue was colleges competing with private businesses. Assemblyman Luster agreed this is a problem and they will take a serious look at how they define exemptions under State Law. The second issue was the growing burden of property tax on localities while at the same time the State is able to reduce the reliance on income tax through the present program of cuts. Mr. Penniman said he presented information on how this affects the lower income segments of our community and that more reliance on State revenues such as income tax, would be better than reliance on the property tax.
Mr. Lane spoke of Mr. Stein's report on celebrations funding, and said the Dryden Dairy Days will take place in June which is three days after the deadline to return the request and before the Board will meet again. He said they will not receive an answer prior to the event taking place and feels this is unfair to them.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said municipalities were encouraged to apply for celebrations funding during the regular budget process for tourism grant funding.
Mr. Lane said there was not a special notice of that sent to municipalities and there is a separate line in the budget for celebrations which this Board later changed.
Mr. Stein said this issue of celebrations has moved from doing something good for municipalities to something that seems to be a vested right. He said he was in favor of this since it was created; however, he has changed his mind and feels regrets supporting the program in the past.
Mr. Lane said although celebrations is a difficult program, he does not feel it is a bad program.
It was MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Lane, to add a resolution to the agenda that would appropriate $1,500 out of the County's Celebration Funds and allocate it to the Dryden Dairy Days.
Mr. Joseph said he understands the compulsion to accommodate the Dryden Dairy Days; however, he feels the motion on the floor would be even more unfair. He agrees with Mr. Stein and said that the County should stay out of the business of celebrations unless it is a County celebration.
A voice vote on the motion resulted as follows: Ayes - 7 (Representatives Davis, Evans, Lane, Proto, Stein, Totman, and Winch); Noes - 7 (Blanchard, Joseph, Koplinka-Loehr, Mink, Penniman, Schuler, Todd); Excused - 1 (Representative Kiefer). MOTION FAILED.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Health and Human Services Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 13 and had several presentations. Joyce Walker of the EOC announced that agency has changed its name to Tompkins Community Action. He said they received a loan for the purchase and remodeling of the Evaporated Metal Films Building. They are working with Thomas Architects and Management for design of that building. Betty Falcoa of the Health Planning Council presented the Committee with a resolution passed by the Council that supports tobacco settlement funds be used towards health purposes. Helen Howard, Nutrition Educator of Cooperative Extension came to the meeting with a participant of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. The participant reported on how being involved in the program has helped him and his family.
RESOLUTION NO. 101 - AUTHORIZATION FOR MEMBERSHIP - AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION (APHA) - HEALTH DEPARTMENT
MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Ms. Davis, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the American Public Health Association (APHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, representing more than 50,000 members from over 50 occupations of public health, and
WHEREAS, the APHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, policies and programs related to chronic and infectious diseases, and professional education in public health, and
WHEREAS, the Health Promotion Director is responsible for health promotion activities within the County through community organizations, including schools, worksites, other agencies, and is responsible for the Department's coordination and development of the Community Health Assessment as required by the New York State Department of Health, and therefore needs to keep abreast of public health developments and trends, and
WHEREAS, membership benefits of the APHA include reduced subscription costs to the Association's monthly publications, the American Journal of Public Health, which includes peer reviewed research findings and commentary on a broad spectrum of issues; the Nation's Health, updates on public health and public policy issues as well as federal and judicial actions addressing every facet of public health; reduced registration fees at the annual meeting, and professional network opportunities, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Health Department is authorized to become a member of the American Public Health Association and transfer $130 to cover the cost of membership.
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Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met this morning and considered items related to capital projects, bridges, and solid waste. The Committee also acted on a resolution that was added to the agenda. She stated the Committee heard from Donald Barber, Town of Caroline Supervisor, on the issue of stress on town roads. Many bridge and highway projects will be going on this year and they will be trying to set up a time when an informal field trip of those projects can take place. Ms. Blanchard reported the Committee authorized the issuance of an RFP for design services for the Red Mill Road Bridge in the Town of Dryden and the Lounsberry Road Bridge in the Town of Caroline. The Committee also looked at some options for the remainder of the work on the Courthouse HVAC system. Sheriff Meskill reported on his Departments' efforts at controlling the traffic and speeding in the County. She said the good partnership between the Sheriff and the Highway Division should result in safer roads throughout the County.
Ms. Blanchard said the Committee received an update on the progress of the Household Hazardous Waste Management Facility. She announced finish work on West King Road Bridge is complete and the bridge has reopened, construction is scheduled to start on the Dryden Lake Road Bridge and the Harvey Hill Road Bridge on June 1.
RESOLUTION NO. 102 - AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF A SUPPLEMENTAL GRANT AMENDMENT NO. 2 FROM THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (NYSDOT) - EXPAND ARFF/MAINTENANCE BUILDING (1993) (PIN 3902.82/K550430) - TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has offered a matching amendment to the federal amendment for AIP No. 3-36-0047-19-93, said federal amendment for an additional $13,527 being accepted by the County Board of Representatives by Resolution No. 304 dated December 1, 1998, and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has already committed funds for the local match, the REVISED funding shares being as follows:
Federal (FAA) (90.0%) $400,396.00
State (NYSDOT) ( 5.0%) $ 22,244.00
Local ( 5.0%) $ 22,244.00
Total $444,844.00
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the County does hereby accept the NYSDOT grant amendment for an additional $752 and that the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute the project,
RESOLVED, further, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in connection with the project,
RESOLVED, further, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.
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Report from the Public Safety Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. Mr. Evans said he attended a press conference this afternoon held by law enforcement officials announcing that there will be zero tolerance for non-compliance with the seat belt law.
Report from the Budget and Quality Planning Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 6th. He announced that a joint board diversity training with this Board, Common Council, and the Ithaca City School District will be held on June 13th from noon to 5 p.m. at the Human Services Building. He asked that surveys on this training be returned by June 4th. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said the Human Rights Department reported to the Committee on inquiries and caseload statistics. He said the Personnel Department reported to the Committee on performance evaluation and the Training Development position. At this time that job description is being written to include other responsibilities such as Partners for Quality duties and Affirmative Action duties. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said the Community Affirmative Action advisory board is now reporting to the Committee on a regular basis.
RESOLUTION NO. 103 - AMENDMENT OF RESOLUTION NO. 111 OF 1998 - MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 126 of 1994 established the Leadership Council, and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 111 of 1998 rescinded Resolution No. 126 of 1994 and re-established the Leadership Council and its membership, and
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 111 of 1998 states that the Chair of the Council shall be the Chair or Vice Chair of the Board of Representatives, and
WHEREAS, the Leadership Council now wishes to elect its own Chair, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Governmental Operations Committee, That Resolution No. 111 of 1998 be amended to allow the Leadership Council to elect a Chair from its appointed membership.
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RESOLUTION NO. 104 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE QUIT-CLAIM DEED BACK TO PREVIOUS OWNERS
MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, prior to the County auction certain properties paid all outstanding taxes due, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the County Administrator is authorized to execute a quit-claim deed conveying the below stated properties, acquired by the County through 1998 tax foreclosure, back to the previous owners as also stated below, upon payment of all back taxes, penalties, interest and fees.
Town of Newfield, 16-1-4 - deed back to Floyd Grant, Jesse Greene, and Sylvia Kambeitz
Town of Groton, 5-3-24 - deed back to TTT, Inc.
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RESOLUTION NO. 105 - AUTHORIZATION TO CONVEY PROPERTIES ACQUIRED THROUGH FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS
MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins acquired certain parcels located in the County through tax foreclosure proceedings, and
WHEREAS, the County wishes to sell said properties through marketing, public auction or other lawful means, conveyance of which shall be by quit-claim deed, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That upon sale of said parcels and required payment in full, the County Administrator is hereby authorized to execute quit claim deeds conveying said parcels.
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Air Service Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported about two years ago Tompkins County Area Development, in an effort with the County, established an Air Service Task Force to address issues of flight availability and price at the Tompkins County Airport. Composition of this group has grown from a nucleus of about five interested people to a group of 20 people dedicated to improving service and, more importantly in the near term, keeping the services we have now.
The accomplishments so far are:
Ms. Mink commented on the Dulles run and suggested a concentrated effort on working with local travel agents. She said she just went to Washington and they were actively discouraged from using that run, it would have been better to have used that one.
RESOLUTION NO. 106 - AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH GARRITY COMMUNICATIONS, INC., FOR MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES FOR THE TOMPKINS COUNTY AIRPORT
MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Stein, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present.
WHEREAS, an Air Service Task Force was set up to investigate ways to improve air service and lower air fares at the Tompkins County Airport, and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 1998, at the Task Force's recommendation, the County did contract with the consultant group Nammack Associates of Fredericksburg, Virginia, to investigate such problems and to suggest ways to improve the situation, and
WHEREAS, said consultant group has recommended that the County embark on an extensive marketing and public relations campaign to promote the Tompkins County Airport in an attempt to gain back an estimated thirty-five percent (35%) of local passengers who currently use other airports, and
WHEREAS, to that end, the Air Service Task Force has interviewed marketing firms and selected Garrity Communications Inc., of Ithaca, New York as the company which would assist them in this endeavor, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That a contract be authorized with Garrity Communications Inc., for a sum not to exceed $10,000, said contract to begin on or about May 19, 1999, for a period of approximately three months, and that the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute the contract documents,
RESOLVED, further, That the financing of these services shall come form the Airport Fund Balance and be transferred into the appropriate Airport account by the Finance Director.
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Report from the Electric Power Committee
Mr. Stein had no report.
Report from the Information Management Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, reported the Committee met today and said Y2K efforts continue to be on schedule. He said the telephone system will be going out to bid soon and will likely be under State contract. Mr. Evans reported a neighboring county has made a request to purchase the source code of Tompkins County's payroll system.
Report from the Library Construction Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 11 and continued its tours of rural libraries and reading rooms. The Committee also heard concerns from the Finger Lake Library System in relation to the design of the new Public Library. The next meetings will be as follows:
May 26 - 9:30 a.m. at the Danby Reading Room
June 3 - 6 p.m. at the Town of Caroline Reading Room
June 8 at 9 a.m. at the Tompkins County Public Library
Report from the Public Safety Building Space Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, had no report.
Discussion on Courthouse Parking
Ms. Mink announced that State Court personnel are now patrolling the parking lot to look for violators of the parking rules. Ms. Mink asked whether there would be a willingness by Board members to let a portion of Board spaces be freed up on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, when there are no committee meetings scheduled.
There was concern raised by some Board members that although there are no standing committee meetings on those days, there are other meetings and appointments Board members have on those days. Following discussion and a show of hands, the majority of Board members agreed to try this arrangement with two of the Board spaces for one month with the agreement that it would be evaluated at the end of that time. Ms. Mink asked that any complaint that arises during this time be filed with the Clerk of the Board.
Unfinished Business
RESOLUTION NO. 96 - AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH AT&T FOR COMMISSION ON LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE INMATE TELEPHONE TRAFFIC
MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Mr. Joseph said he asked whether this raised the cost for inmates and has been told no. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Representative Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the New York State Sheriff's Association is endorsing AT&T as the provider of inmate pay telephones and communications for a five-year period beginning June 1, 1999 to June 1, 2004, and
WHEREAS, the proposal of AT&T offers the best opportunity for revenue, an increase from 31% to 44% for both local and long distance services, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That an agreement for inmate pay telephones and communications be awarded to AT&T,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute an agreement on behalf of the County.
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Approval of Minutes of May 4, 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 the May 4, 1999 meeting with the corrections submitted by Representative Kiefer. MINUTES APPROVED
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.