Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members

Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Present: 15 Representatives.

Ms. Mink recognized Wendy Skinner, Public Information Coordinator, who introduced three visitors who are from the Ukraine and are part of Tompkins Cortland Community College’s Sister City Program.

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, said last week she spoke to the Board on the redistricting issue. She said she is very disappointed that more time was not given to the process. She also spoke about jet skis on Cayuga Lake and said before they become a serious problem this summer she would like discussion to take place on instituting a ban on them. Ms. Gougakis also raised a concern that she had no knowledge of Tompkins Cortland Community College’s Sister City Program of which visitors at this meeting are part of, noting a lack of publicity.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

Mr. Lane, District No. 14 Representative, announced this Saturday is Dryden Dairy Day and invited everyone to take part in the festivities.

Mr. Penniman, District No. 15 Representative, reported on the Cities for Climate Control Project that the Board voted on a month ago and said an intern has been hired and is located in the Assessment Department. This individual is now gathering information on how the County can increase energy efficiency around the County in housing, transportation, and commercial businesses. Another intern is working out of the Board Office and is looking at who votes in Tompkins County. He is looking at issues surrounding voter registration and breaking that down by age, gender, and ethnicity. He will also be studying ways to make sure everyone has the information they need and the opportunity to vote.

Mrs. Schuler, District No. 4 Representative, reported a Merit Incentive Awards Ceremony took place at the Human Services Building on May 31^st. This was funded by $25,000 of TANF money. 42 youngsters in four through tenth grades were given awards for academic excellence or improvement, or community service. This year there were 42 student recipients compared to 17 last year.

Ms. Kiefer, District No. 10 Representative, announced Dick Schuler, Cornell Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Economics, will be the replacement speaker at the solar celebration this Friday at the Tompkins County Public Library. Mr. Schuler is the Director of the Cornell Institute of Public Affairs and is a Senior Fellow at Cornell Center for the Environment; he has also been on the New York State Public Service Commission. His focus of teaching research and consulting deals with issues of public infrastructure, especially utilities.

Mr. Proto, District No. 7 Representative, said last month he announced he was headed to Albany for the State Archives and Records Administration grant program. He announced Region 6 is the recipient of approximately $800,000 in grant awards over the years. Those awards went to programs in the Groton Central School District ($11,000), Tompkins County ($875,000), Town of Danby ($499), Town of Newfield ($2,023), Town of Ulysses ($2,983 and $8,540), and the Village of Dryden ($828). He announced June 7-9^th the New York History Conference will take place at Wells College.

Chair’s Report and Appointment(s)

Chair Mink had no report or appointments but said an executive session will be held after the meeting to discuss litigation.

Presentation by Tompkins County Area Development (TCAD)

Ms. Blanchard, Chair of TCAD, said she has been on the TCAD Board for several years and is this year’s Chair. She said there is a need to increase the public’s knowledge of TCAD as well as the Board’s knowledge. She emphasized the importance of the Board’s knowledge of the County’s premier economic development organization. At this time she introduced Michael Stamm, Executive Director of TCAD.

Mr. Stamm provided the Board with an overview of Tompkins County Area Development which was founded in 1964 with the purpose of creating quality employment opportunities for local residents as well as strengthening the tax base.

The following information was provided in the form of overhead slides:

OVERVIEW OF TCAD

• History
• Mission
• Board of Directors and Staff
• Sources of Funding

• Sources of Funding:
• Government – 26 %
• Industrial Development Agency – 31%
• Banks – 4%
• Commercial – 3%
• Education – 10%
• Professional – 1%
• Large Industry – 6%
• Real Estate Holdings – 11%
• Miscellaneous – 7%

• Site Selection
• Business Planning
• Financial

• Revolving Loan Funds
• Regional, state and federal programs
• Cayuga Venture Fund
• Industrial Development Agency

General Activities and Initiatives

• Activities
• Sewer/water infrastructure
• Conference center study
• Industrial land use study
• Initiatives
• Finger Lakes Entrepreneurs’ forum
• Airport Service Task Force
• Workforce Development Board

Economic Trends by Sector

• Durable Goods Manufacturing

• Substantial growth by a few firms

• Cyclical and structural layoffs at some firms

• Growth in others because of their markets
• Fortunate if we stabilize

• Light Manufacturing and Assembly

• New firm creation and job growth outpaces state and nation
• Very diverse products & markets

• Mixed, but more opportunity or growth

• High Tech

• New firm creation and job growth outpaces state and nation
• Very diverse products & markets

• Strong growth potential but much greater risk,

• Office space
• Retail
• Educational Services
• Tourism

• Sewer/Water Infrastructure
• Retaining Acquired Companies
• Business Attraction
• Workforce
• Availability of Lane
• Empire Zones
• Assistance to Individual Municipalities

Mr. Whicher introduced Peter Messmer, Tompkins County Highway Manager. Mr. Messmer said it is a pleasure to serve the Tompkins County Highway Division. He invited Board Members to contact him with any needs or issues that may arise

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Wood, Deputy County Attorney, reported the County has received a lawsuit from the Town of Ithaca regarding the County’s redistricting process. He requested an executive session to discuss this matter.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires reported the County is receiving a $39,000 residual payment from tobacco financing. He announced the annual meeting of the Tobacco Corporation will be held on June 9^th. Mr. Squires also reported the County’s auction of foreclosed parcels was held on June 2^nd and was very successful; there were 15 parcels and all received bids. Gross receipts from the sale were $146,000.

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

Chair Mink granted permission to the appropriate chairmen to withdraw the following resolution(s) from the agenda:

Authorization for Program Reconfiguration – Central Services

Adoption of Amended Bylaws – Tompkins County Mental Health Services Board

On motion and duly seconded and unanimously adopted by voice vote, the following resolution(s) were added to the agenda:

It was MOVED by Mr. Lalley, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda:

Mental Health Subcommittee

Christine Decker – term expires December 31, 2003

Tompkins County Youth Board

Mary Ellen Bossack – Town of Dryden representative; term expires December 31, 2003

David Delchamps – City of Ithaca representativ; term expires December 31, 2003

Jonathan Barnard – Youth representative; term expires August 31, 2001

Wenmouth Williams – Education representative; term expires December 31, 2001

Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Budget and Capital Committee

Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 30^th and business conducted at that meeting is reflected in the resolutions on the agenda.

RESOLUTION NO. 115 - ESTABLISHING 2002 FRINGE BENEFITS PAYMENT RATE

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Penniman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System is requiring an increase in the percentage of payroll contributed by local municipalities, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That the fringe benefits payment rate for 2002, which amount shall be charged to all County departments, shall be 26 percent.

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RESOLUTION NO. 116 – AMENDMENT TO FISCAL POLICY 05-02, SECTION 03-05

REGARDING MANDATES

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Penniman. Ms. Kiefer said she will vote no on this resolution because she feels it is useful to have these other classes of mandates defined and characterized. She said although it does not hold items harmless, it provides Board members with information during the budget season on how to consider those other mandate class entities.

Mr. Joseph said there are currently three classes of mandates with the A mandate class being the most strict and where the County has no control. The other two classes are items where the County is required to provide a service but does have control over the manner those services are carried out. He said it was the opinion of the Budget and Capital Committee that it had become confusing to have mandates that didn’t bring any different treatment to be considered.

A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 13, Noes – 2 (Representatives Davis and Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, Fiscal Policy 05-02, Section 03-05 describes the term "Mandate" and defines the various types of Mandate classifications established by the Board of Representatives in 1995, and

WHEREAS, the value of mandate classification is to isolate certain expenditures in the event of across-the-board budget reductions and to define those mandates where the County has minimal control over, and

WHEREAS, only Class A Mandates are programs that meet the absolute definition provided in this section of the policy and qualify as a program made up entirely of the costs of direct payments to or on behalf of service recipients, and permits County government very little control over the manner in which the service is provided, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That Section 3.05 Mandates be amended to eliminate the term "Class A" and to delete a portion of Section B, all of Section C "Class B Mandates", Section D "Class C Mandates", and Section E "Appeal of Mandate Classification".

A. DEFINITION. A mandate is a service provided by County government as a direct consequence

2. CLASS A MANDATES. A Class A mandate is a program that meets the definition above, is made up entirely of the costs of direct payments to or on behalf of service recipients, and permits County government very little control over the manner in which the service is provided. Employee salaries and fringe benefit costs may not be included in a Class A mandate. Class A m Mandates are exempt from all fiscal targets established by the County Board. Mandated payments appear as a line in the budget of a budgeting unit or designated program.

3. CLASS B MANDATES. A Class B mandate is different from a Class A mandate in that the County has some substantial control over the manner in which the service is provided, and salary and fringe benefit costs may be included within it. A Class B mandate must be an entire budgeting unit or program; no Class C or optional costs may be included within it. Class B mandates are not exempt from any fiscal targets, but the budgeting unit is authorized to submit over-target requests based on the fact that additional funds are needed, or cuts must be avoided, in order to deliver the mandated service. Such over-target requests are reviewed by the same process as other over-target requests. The budgeting unit may propose with respect to a Class B mandate that an over-target request be designated as being essential to meet a mandate. If this designation is granted by the Board of Representatives both the over-target request and the program to which it is attached will be exempted from any across-the-board cuts that may be enacted later that year. A budgeting unit may also request that budgets for Class B mandated programs be designated as essential to meet a mandate without making an over-target request; if this designation is granted it would exempt this program from any across-the-board cuts that may be enacted that year.

4. CLASS C MANDATES. A Class C mandate is not a fully mandated program. A program that is

of the costs of the mandated service. Class C mandates are subject to all fiscal targets and receive

no special treatment in the budget review process.

5. APPEAL OF MANDATE CLASSIFICATION. Each year, a budgeting unit may appeal in writing the mandate classification of its programs to the Board of Representatives program committee and to the budget committee. Appeals of mandate classifications must specifically be based on the nature of the budgeting unit or program and the approved definition of each classification.

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Ms. Blanchard, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, this Board on June 6, 1995, adopted recommendations of the Budget Review Task Force of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee with respect to the criteria for Cost Savers and with respect to the consequences of that status, and

WHEREAS, to be designated a Cost Saver a budgeting unit or a program must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Only an entire program or budgeting unit may be designated;
2. The budgeting unit or program must provide services funded by general revenues or by the Solid Waste Annual Fee;
3. By providing those services, the budgeting unit or program must clearly reduce County spending in the County budgeting unit(s), or increase revenue to the general fund or to the Solid Waste Fund;
4. The amount of savings or increased revenues must equal or exceed the total amount of general revenues or Solid Waste Annual Fee revenues of the entire designated program or budgeting unit;
5. The savings from providing the proposed services must be achieved within the same fiscal year or within the following two (2) fiscal years;
6. A reduction in services in the designated budgeting unit or program would result in a net increase in costs to Tompkins County; and

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following programs of County government are hereby designated to be Cost Savers for the 2002 budget:

1. Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR) - Bail Program

• Probation - Alternatives to Incarceration and Electronic Monitoring Programs

RESOLUTION NO. 118 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT AND APPROPRIATION OF UNSPENT

Ms. Blanchard said the Public Safety Committee discussed this issue at length. She feels rules are adopted in order to help the Board do its job well but doesn’t feel rules should place the Board in the corner. She said the proposal as it was put forward in the original resolution makes sense.

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Mrs. Schuler, to substitute with the following resolution:

A voice vote on the motion to substitute resulted as follows: Ayes – 1 (Representative Kiefer), Noes – 14. MOTION TO SUBSTITUTE FAILED.

WHEREAS, various departments have been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent appropriations and excess revenues from 2000 resulting in a surplus on the County’s books as of December 31, 2000, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, surplus funds may be requested for use in the current or following year budget, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services, Panning, Public Safety, Government Operations, and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following transactions are approved:

BUDGET APPROPRIATION:

From: General Fund Balance $368,728

TO: Social Services ~ Payroll 6010.51000 22,453

Human Rights ~ Professional Services 8020.54442 10,800 10,800

TO: A3110.52231 Sheriff – Vehicles 43,364

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Mr. Proto said despite his voting history of opposing rollover funds he will support this resolution. This is because later in the meeting the Board will ask departments to change the way they budget and will need these funds to do that.

A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 15, Noes – 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, various departments have been certified by the Director of Finance to have unspent appropriations and excess revenues from 2000 resulting in a surplus on the County’s books as of December 31, 2000, and

WHEREAS, pursuant to County Fiscal Policy, surplus funds may be requested for use in the current or following year budget, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services, Planning, Public Safety, Government Operations, and Budget and Capital Committees, That the following transactions are approved:

BUDGET APPROPRIATION:

From: General Fund Balance $412,092

TO: Social Services ~ Payroll 6010.51000 22,453

Social Services ~ Fringes 6010.58800 5,653 28,106

Planning ~ Payroll 8020.51000 28,208

Planning ~ Fringes 8020.58800 7,052

Planning ~ Professional Svcs. 8020.54442 22,155

Planning ~ Payroll 8029.51000 2,960

Planning ~ Fringes 8029.58800 740

Planning ~ Payroll 8030.51000 6,036

Planning ~ Fringes 8030.58800 1,509

Planning ~ Computer Equipment 8035.52206 9,350

Planning ~ Payroll 8035.51000 3,900

Planning ~ Fringes 8035.58800 975 82,885

Fire Coordinator ~ Training 3410.54412 5,000 5,000

Sheriff ~ Payroll 3113.51000 52,000

Sheriff ~ Fringes 3113.58800 13,000

Sheriff ~ Vehicles 3113.52231 50,000

Sheriff ~ Misc. Equipment (Forensic evidence dryer) 3113.52210 10,549

Sheriff ~ Misc. K-9 Equipment and training supplies 3113.54400 3,500

Sheriff ~ Community policing supplies and equipment 3113.54400 5,500 134,549

Jail ~ Payroll 3150.51000 25,600

Jail ~ Fringes 3150.58800 6,400 32,000

Human Rights ~ Professional Services 8020.54442 10,800 10,800

Information Technology Services ~ Payroll 1680.51000 19,038

Information Technology Services ~ Fringes 1680.58000 4,760 23,798

Motor Vehicle ~ Professional Services 1411.54442 35,000

County Clerk ~ Professional Services 1410.54442 38,912

County Clerk ~ Computer Equipment 1410.52206 8,000 81,912

Board of Elections ~ Payroll 1450.51000 7,834

Board of Elections ~ Fringes 1450.58800 1,958

Board of Elections ~ Computer Equipment 1450.52206 2,650

Board of Elections ~ Service Contracts 1450.54425 600 13,042

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RESOLUTION NO. 119 - ESTABLISHMENT OF GUIDELINES AND FISCAL

Ms. Davis said she opposed this in the Budget and Capital Committee meeting because in reality it is much larger than two percent as no increases are being given for the salary increases that have been negotiated. She said this comes close to an eight percent decrease in a department’s fiscal target.

Mr. Penniman said department heads have expressed concern that budgets will be submitted that excludes certain positions which will cause a lot of employees to become concerned about their positions. He understands those feelings but feels it is necessary to approve this level of fiscal target in order for the Board to have information to make the decisions it needs to make.

Mr. Lalley said given the severity of the overall budget picture he feels this is a worthy target for the Board to adopt.

Mr. Winch said he would like to receive more information from the Budget and Capital Committee about the deliberations that took place and the information they used to make their recommendation.

Ms. Kiefer said year after year she has not been able to support guidelines that give departments zero percent increases because it is the Board who negotiates salary schedules with the unions. She said she is willing to vote for a zero percent fiscal target given the concerns about available surplus; however, she cannot support a negative two percent target. She feels this is an unnecessary exercise and would rather the Board look elsewhere for money, such as rescinding the decision to drop sales tax on clothing that costs less than $100. .

It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, seconded by Ms. Davis, to amend the fiscal target for 2001 to zero. A voice vote on the amendment resulted as follows: Ayes – 2 (Representatives Davis and Kiefer); Noes – 13. MOTION FAILED.

A voice vote on the original resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 13, Noes - 2 (Representatives Davis and Kiefer). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Fiscal Policy specifies that a fiscal target is the maximum amount of general revenue spending authority that a department head or program director may request without initiating an Over-Target Request, and changes in fiscal targets should be communicated to department heads and program directors as timely as possible in order for them to submit their budget requests by July 2, 2001, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives wishes to establish targets for departments and agencies in preparing 2002 budget requests, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That fiscal targets for all budgeting units, excluding Tompkins Cortland Community College and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit for preparation of the 2002 budget are hereby established as follows:

1. For not-for-profit agency grants, the amount approved in the 2001 adopted budget less any over-target funding designated as one-time less any funds reappropriated from previous years less 2 percent of the calculated local share.
2. For Towns and Villages applying for reimbursement for County-wide services, and for Human Service and Criminal Justice agencies receiving reimbursement pursuant to the Sales Tax Agreement between the County and City of Ithaca, the fiscal target shall be equal to the current year appropriation minus any one-time adjustments for prior years.
3. For all County departments, an amount equal to the general revenue portion of the 2001 adopted County budget, less any over-target funding designated as one-time less any funds reappropriated from previous years less 2 percent of the calculated local share. Departments are required to submit a 3-year budget projection as outlined by the County Administrator.

RESOLUTION NO. 120 - BUDGETING UNIT RECONFIGURATION CHANGE

AND FISCAL TARGET ADJUSTMENT – COUNTY

ADMINISTRATION

MOVED by Mr. Joseph, seconded by Mr. Lalley. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 14, Noes – 1 (Representative Davis). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, insurance premiums and the insurance reserve are components of the Risk Management program within County Administration, and

WHEREAS, increases in insurance premiums are driven by rising costs in the insurance industry as a whole and with the addition of new and renovated County buildings are not directly affected by savings or efficiencies within the County’s Risk Management program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Capital Committee, That insurance premiums and the insurance reserve shall be isolated as a separate budgeting unit not subject to a Fiscal Target,

RESOLVED, further, That the County Administration budgeting unit shall have a 2002 fiscal target reduction of $276,921,

RESOLVED, further, That effective immediately, insurance premiums shall be reported within the self-insurance reserve fund and no longer a component of the General Fund,

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

FROM:

A1989.54462 Risk Management – Insurance $115,000

A1989.42770 Risk Management Revenue (8,079)

TO:

A9904.54400 Self Insurance Reserve Program Expense $115,000

A9904.42770 Self Insurance Reserve – Revenue (8,079)

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

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee met on May 16 and discussed the draft cellular phone policy. That subject has been postponed at this time. The Committee also discussed the advisory board membership replacement policy, received a report from the County Administrator on reorganization that is taking place in his department. The Committee also looked at a privacy policy in regard to what information the Assessment Department will be placing on the Internet. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr also highlighted items that the Committee will be discussing at their next meeting on June 7^th.
 
 

RESOLUTION NO. 121 – AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE QUITCLAIM DEEDS – SALE

WHEREAS, by tax foreclosure proceedings, the County acquired certain parcels in the County, and

WHEREAS, said properties were sold, contingent upon Board approval, at public auction on May 19, 2001, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That upon payment in full of the bid price, plus current taxes and filing fees, that the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute quitclaim deeds for all parcels sold at the public auction.

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RESOLUTION NO. 122 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE QUITCLAIM DEED –

PROPERTIES REDEEMED BEFORE COUNTY AUCTION

MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Lalley, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

RESOLVED, That the County Administrator is authorized to execute a Quitclaim Deed conveying property acquired by the County through 2000 tax foreclosures, back to the previous owners upon payment of all back taxes, penalties, interest and fees as follows:

City of Ithaca 45-1-4 James Jr. Best and Ronald W. Best; and

Town of Ithaca 28-1-26.6 Michael Carroll

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

Mr. Lane, Chairman, explained why the resolution that would have asked the Board to increase the Capital Program budget for the Buildings and Grounds renovation at the Bostwick Road Public Works Facility was withdrawn from the agenda. He said the resolution was unanimously supported by the Committee; however, there was further information needed and the Committee will be working to gather that information. Mr. Lane said the Committee met on May 22 and discussed the "road swap" with the Town of Caroline with the Committee recommending that process continue. The Committee reached consensus to extend the license to Cornell University for access to Airport grounds for the radioactive waste disposal site testing. The Committee also heard from Barbara Eckstrom, Solid Waste Manager, about the plan for architectural historical elements of reuse programs. She is looking into a partnership with Historic Ithaca at this time. Mr. Lane said the Committee also heard about the Computer Allstars program that is being promoted by the Solid Waste Division. The Committee decided to extend the Caswell Road leachate hauling permit in order to allow more time to go to bid. Representative Kiefer also reported on the frog and salamander crossing at Ringwood Pond that the Highway Department assisted with.

RESOLUTION NO. 123 - DIVISION NAME CHANGE – BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

WHEREAS, the Public Works Department has been undergoing a reorganization process, and

WHEREAS, it has been recommended by the Public Works Cabinet that the division title of "Buildings and Grounds" is out-dated and obsolete, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works Committee, That the title of Buildings and Grounds be changed to Facilities,

RESOLVED, further, That as part of the Public Works Department reorganization, the Facilities division will be responsible for the capital projects for all county owned building facilities,

RESOLVED, further, That the County Charter and Code be amended to reflect the name change and the additional duties of the division related to capital projects.

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RESOLUTION NO. 124 ASSIMILATION OF THE ENGINEERING DIVISION,

WHEREAS, since 1999, the Public Works Department has been investigating ways to reorganize the department’s divisions and programs to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service, and

WHEREAS, during the reorganization process, new opportunities for reorganization were realized by position vacancies, and

WHEREAS, ways of completing the work of the Engineering division through other means were identified, recommended by the Public Works Cabinet, and approved by the County Administrator; those being that the Highway Division has need for two of the Engineering division positions (Associate Civil Engineer, and Civil Engineer), and Facilities will assume the capital program responsibilities formerly done by Engineering division staff with any additional staffing needs or outside assistance evaluated on a case by case basis for capital projects and will utilize one Engineering position (Administrative Assistant), now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Works and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Engineering division be abolished as a stand-alone division and that the funds available remaining in the 2001 Engineering division budget be distributed as outlined below,

RESOLVED, further, That the three (3) Engineering division employees be transferred to Highway division and Facilities division as explained above,

RESOLVED, further, That the fiscal targets for the Highway division and Facilities division be adjusted and that the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustments on his books:

FROM 1625 Balance TO: 1620 5010 5110 5130
 

51000	Regular pay -	252,213	176,231 (70%)	75,984 (30%)
52206	Computer Equipment	8000	5,000 (63%)	3,000 (37%)
52214	Office Furnishings	1500	1,500 (100%)
52220	Departmental Equipment	702		7 02 (100%)
52230	Computer Software	2000	1,375 (69%)	625 (31%)
54303	Office Supplies	1135	567 (50%)	567 (50%)
54332	Books	441	220 (50%)	220 (50%)
54401	Employee Recognition	100	100 (100%)
54412	Travel & Training	2050	1425 (70%)	625 (30%)
54424	Equipment Rental	55		55 (100%)
54425	Service Contracts	500	250 (50%)	250 (50%)
54452	Postage	716		716 (100%)
54472	Telephone	109		109 (100%)
54618	Interdepartmental Charges	344	172 (50%)	172 (50%)
58800	Fringes -	63,053	44,137 (70%)	18,916 (30%)
58865	Dental -	1,736	1,041 (60%)	694 (40%)
	Total	$ 334,654	$232,018 (70%)	$6,175.00 (2% ) $95,594 (27%) $866(1%)

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MOVED by Mr. Penniman, seconded by Ms. Kiefer, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, the State’s Inactive Hazardous Waste Disposal Site Remedial Program, better known as Superfund, has located and analyzed thousands of hazardous waste sites in the past 15 years, and

WHEREAS, the Superfund Program has been successful and effective in remediating some of these sites to eliminate the threat to human health and the environment, and

WHEREAS, hundreds of waste sites have been identified in communities around New York

State, but are not yet remediated, and

WHEREAS, funding for the Superfund Program has been fully allocated as of the end of the past fiscal year, March 31^st, 2001, and

WHEREAS, without funding for remediation, the remaining sites are a continued danger to the environment and to human health, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning Committee, That the County Board of Representatives supports the refinancing of the Superfund Program to continue efforts to remediate legacy hazardous waste sites throughout the state, without changes that compromise the level of cleanup.

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

Mrs. Schuler, Chair, said the Committee met briefly prior to the Board meeting to take action on the resolutions on the agenda. The next meeting will be June 20 at the Youth Bureau conference room on the third floor of the Human Services Building.

RESOLUTION NO. 126 - IN SUPPORT OF STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD LIMIT

WHEREAS, Medicaid is a vital component to New York’s health care delivery system, providing health care to New York State’s most vulnerable citizens, and

WHEREAS, since the enactment of the Medicaid program, counties in New York State have been required to share in the costs of services, and Tompkins County is mandated by the State of New York to contribute a twenty-five percent matching share with the exception of long-term care services; and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County has minimal authority by state law to manage, control or reduce local Medicaid costs, and therefore serves primarily as a means to transfer a portion of the state’s share of Medicaid costs from the statewide tax base to the Tompkins County property tax base, and

WHEREAS, in most states, the state government assumes all of the responsibility for the non-federal share of the Medicaid program, so that the burden of paying for the medically needy is distributed over the widest possible tax base, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County taxpayers currently pay almost $7,600,000 in Medicaid costs through the Tompkins County budget, which represents thirty-eight percent (38%) of the property taxes paid by local taxpayers to the county, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County taxpayers are currently funding a Medicaid local share that is growing at 6.5 percent, which makes Medicaid the largest and most volatile single expense in the Tompkins County budget, and

WHEREAS, the growth of local Medicaid costs are siphoning away the limited resources available to fund the entire Tompkins County budget without adding new pressures on the property taxpayers of Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, A.8701 is legislation sponsored in the New York State Assembly that would cap the level of Medicaid growth that would be funded by the property taxpayers of Tompkins County, and

WHEREAS, under this proposal, Tompkins County would pay what they paid in last year for Medicaid plus an increase up to the Consumer Price Index, and

WHEREAS, this reasonable approach would provide Tompkins County property taxpayers with meaningful budgetary relief, while maintaining Tompkins County’s annual commitment to the Medicaid program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That Tompkins County supports A.8701 and calls upon Senator James Seward, 50^th District, and Senator John Kuhl, 52^nd District, to support the introduction of companion legislation in the New York State Senate,

RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to support A.8701 and enact the legislation into law,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of this Board is hereby authorized to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the Governor, George Pataki; Joseph Bruno, Speaker Pro Tem and Majority

Leader of the New York State Senate; Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly, Senator James Seward; Senator John Kuhl, Assemblyman Martin Luster, the New York State Association of Counties, and all others deemed necessary and proper.

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RESOLUTION NO. 127 - SUPPORT OF STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD DIRECT

WHEREAS, Medicaid is a complex federal and state program whose costs and administration represent a major component of state and local fiscal relationships in New York State, and

WHEREAS, New York’s Medicaid program is administered by fifty-eight local social services districts (the fifty-seven counties and the City of New York), which are overseen by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and

WHEREAS, in state fiscal year 1989-1990, New York State imposed a "temporary freeze" on open-ended state reimbursement of local administrative costs and has renewed this arbitrary cap annually since its inception, thereby compounding the Medicaid fiscal burden borne by localities, whose mandated administrative costs have more than quadrupled over this period, and

WHEREAS, the report, State-county Relations in New York: Key Partnership Issues – The Impacts of State Revenue Sharing and the Medicaid Mandate, commissioned by the New York State Senate, documents inefficiencies of the current Medicaid administrative system and recommends a series of changes in administrative procedure and communications that would strengthen the state-local partnerships, and

WHEREAS, the recommendations include provisions to replace the existing administrative system and address the concerns of county governments, including the following:

• that counties be given sufficient notice of changes that will impact their local share of administrative costs;

• that revisions affecting county medical assistance budgets not be imposed on a county during a county fiscal year;

• that funding predictability be improved to enhance counties’ planning capability;
• that timely adjustments be made to county share amounts and counties be provided with information in advance;
• that the state improve the exchange of data and information with the counties, particularly in the area of overburden aid;
• that counties be given flexibility to be more effective managers, specifically in the area of competitive bidding; and
• that a medical assistance advisory group be established within the Department of Health which could serve as a liaison to counties on matters of payments, practices, and policies; and

WHEREAS, under this proposal, the New York State Department of Health would collect information from interested parties and develop a proposal that addresses many of the key concerns that have been expressed by counties, and

WHEREAS, this mandate relief measure could provide substantial budgetary savings to both the state and county governments, while strengthening the state-local partnership, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That Tompkins County supports A.8647/S.4891 and calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to support this legislation and enact it into law,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of this Board is hereby authorized to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the Governor, George Pataki; Joseph Bruno, Speaker Pro Tem and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate; Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly; Senator James Seward; Senator John Kuhl; Assemblyman Martin Luster; the New York State Association of Counties, and all others deemed necessary and proper.

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RESOLUTION NO. 128 - IN SUPPORT OF STATE LEGISLATION THAT WOULD

ELIMINATE THE LOCAL FINANCIAL SHARE OF

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS UNDER THE

WHEREAS, Medicaid is a vital component of New York’s health care delivery system, and was designed to provide health care to New York State’s most vulnerable citizens, and

WHEREAS, since the enactment of the Medicaid program, counties in New York State have been required to share in the costs of services, and Tompkins County is mandated by the State of New York to contribute a 25 percent matching share with the exception of long-term care services, and

WHEREAS, New York State offers one of the broadest and most generous Medicaid packages in the nation, requiring the taxpayers of Tompkins County to fund approximately $7,600,000 in costs, while most economically comparable states fund all or most of the non-federal share of Medicaid, and

WHEREAS, when the State mandates that counties provide additional Medicaid services, but does not provide sufficient fiscal assistance to support those services, Tompkins County is forced to rely on its state-constitutionally limited means of raising revenues locally, and

WHEREAS, to the extent that Tompkins County reduces services or increases taxes to fund these new Medicaid services, Tompkins County becomes less competitive with comparable counties in other states which may be positioned to lure businesses and citizens from New York, and

WHEREAS, over the past two years, Tompkins County has seen Medicaid costs growing significantly and anticipates that further expansion of Medicaid programs and services with a local financial share will only add to local budgetary constraints, and

WHEREAS, A.8702/S.4892, legislation pending in the New York State Senate and Assembly, would eliminate the local financial share of additional program enhancements under the Medicaid program, and

WHEREAS, this would include the proposals advanced as part of the SFY 2001-02 Executive Budget, including the Medicaid Buy-In program for disabled workers and coverage for specific women’s health care treatment, both of which carry a local financial share, and

WHEREAS, the legislation protects Tompkins County taxpayers by ensuring that when the state enacts new programs and services under the Medicaid program, that the funding will be provided from sources other than the Tompkins County budget, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That Tompkins County supports A.8702/S.4892 and calls upon the Governor and the State Legislature to support this legislation and enact into law,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of this Board is hereby authorized to transmit a certified copy of this Resolution to the Governor, George Pataki; Joseph Bruno, Speaker Pro Tem and Majority Leader of the New York State Senate; Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly; Senator James Seward; Senator John Kuhl; Assemblyman Martin Luster; the New York State Association of Counties, and all others deemed necessary and proper.

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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Stein, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met since the last meeting.

RESOLUTION NO. 129 - AUTHORIZATION FOR PROGRAM RECONFIGURATION -

WHEREAS, for budget purposes, Workforce Development is considered one program, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development and Budget and Capital Committees, That two programs be created to more accurately represent the division of activities, and

RESOLVED, further, That Program #2750 be re-titled Workforce Development Board, and Program #2755 be created and titled Workforce Development Employment and Training.

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RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development and Government Operations Committees, That a public hearing be held before the Board of Representatives in Board Chambers of the Tompkins County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca, New York, on Tuesday, June 19, 2001 at 5:30 o'clock in the evening thereof concerning proposed Local Law No. e of 2001 - Amending Chapter 150 of the Tompkins County Charter and Code - Article 25 Employment and Training - Workforce Development. At such time and place all persons interested in the subject matter will be heard concerning the same,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board is hereby authorized and directed to place proper notice of such public hearing in the official newspaper of the County.

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RESOLUTION NO. 131 – FUNDING OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT GRANT

MOVED by Mr. Stein, seconded by Mr. Lalley, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.

WHEREAS, Tompkins County has a grant program for tourism development using funds drawn entirely from Room Occupancy Tax, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County has requested and reviewed grant applications for recommendation to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives through the Economic and Workforce Development Committee with the advice of the Strategic Tourism Planning Board, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, That the following grant is approved:

Ithaca Quilter’s Guild - $2,500,

RESOLVED, further, That funds for this grant shall be made from the Room Tax Account, as approved in the 2001 County budget,

RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or designee shall be authorized to sign any documents related to the aforementioned projects.

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Mr. Penniman was excused at 7:17 p.m.

RESOLUTION NO. 132 - AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATE

OF INCORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC

WHEREAS, since December of 1998 the Counties of Tompkins and Tioga have carried on a joint venture for purchase of electricity and gas at a competitive price for the benefit of each of the Counties, the municipalities within their boundaries, and residents of each of the Counties, and

WHEREAS, it now appears that said joint venture would best be carried out by a separate corporation under the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, and

WHEREAS, the appropriate type of corporation for such purpose would be a Local Development Corporation under Section 1411 of the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, That Stuart Stein and Barbara Blanchard are authorized to execute the proposed certificate of incorporation of the Municipal Electric and Gas Alliance, Inc., as representatives of Tompkins County and in concert with corresponding representatives from the Tioga County Legislature, to cause said certificate of incorporation to be filed with the New York State Secretary of State, and to take such further

steps as necessary or advisable to activate said corporation.

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

Mr. Totman, Chairman, reported the Committee met briefly on May 31 to act on resolutions on this evening’s agenda.

RESOLUTION NO. 133 - ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDING – UNITED STATES

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE – COMMUNITY ORIENTED

POLICING SERVICES (COPS) - SHERIFF’S OFFICE

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

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office is desirous of promoting the community policing concept to county policing, and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office applied for a Community Oriented Policing Service (COPS) grant in May of 2000 upon approval of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives (Resolution No. 119 of 2000), and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office has been awarded a Federal Community Oriented Policing (COPS) grant, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the grant award of $75,000 from the United States Department of Justice be accepted.

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Report from the Communications Capital Projects Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the 911 building schematic process is on schedule. The next meeting will be June 26^th.
 

Report from the Information Management Committee

Ms. Kiefer, Chair, had no report.

Report from the Intermunicipal Planning Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, had no report.

Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on June 8 at 11 a.m.

Report from the Library Construction Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee will meet on June 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Report from the Tompkins 2020 Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee has not met. Although they have run into a few obstacles, work continues on the final report.

Approval of Minutes

Approval of the May 15, 2001 minutes was withdrawn from the agenda.

Recess

Chair Mink declared recess from 7:25 p.m. to 7:34 p.m.

Executive Session

It was MOVED by Mr. Lalley, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to enter into executive session at 7:34 p.m. to discuss litigation. The meeting returned to open session at 8:15 p.m.

Adjournment

On motion the meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.