Mr. Joseph called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
Present: 14 Legislators (Legislator Penniman arrived at
6:19 p.m.).
Privilege of Floor by the Public
Richard Flaville, City of Ithaca, announced the month of September is Awareness Month for Leukemia and Lymphoma. He stated he became aware of this in January when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Mr. Flaville said the medications he needs to treat his medical condition is extremely expensive; a single prescription costs $1,300 for 40 days. He spoke of the work of the Lymphoma Society and said they not only help locally, but on a national level as well. Mr. Flaville announced a walk will be held on September 25th in Dryden to raise funds and awareness and invited the Legislature to attend.
Robert McCune, Town of Danby, spoke in regard to Off-Track Betting. He reported to the Legislature on events that have taken place since October 2nd when action was taken to authorize Off-Track Betting in Tompkins County. Mr. McCune said he had hoped there could be additional public comment and discussion prior to matter being taken to referendum; however, that did not happen. He said a group of citizens who identify themselves as the Off-Track Betting referendum Initiative has formed to gather signatures and bring this issue to a vote by the citizens of Tompkins County. Mr. McCune, a member of that group, said the petition has been drawn and signatures are currently being gathered. Currently, there are 70 individuals who are carrying petitions and soliciting signatures and they are actively recruiting additional volunteers. He stated petitions are also being circulated among many congregations and community organizations and anyone interested in assisting with this effort may contact the 24-hour helpline at 256-8279. Mr. McCune said he is encouraged to believe the group will be able gather enough citizen support to bring this issue to a referendum. It is their hope that there will then be time to fully examine the pros and cons of this issue and whether it is in the community's best interest to bring Off-Track Betting parlors to Tompkins County.
Desiree Rogers, Coordinator of the Family Drug Treatment, Felony Drug Treatment, and City Drug Treatment programs, spoke in support of those programs. She said those programs have worked with over 400 individuals in Tompkins County. She stated alcohol is a drug addiction that directly impacts five to ten people connected to those individuals, making the number of lives affected by the programs very significant. Ms. Rogers stated they have had 112 successful graduates of those programs. She said the graduates are grateful for the County's support of those programs and hope that support will continue. She shared three success stories and comments that were presented at the graduation ceremonies. She stated staff from the programs are willing to participate in any efforts that may be required in order to make decisions about the upcoming budget. Ms. Rogers also invited any Legislator who has not had an opportunity, to attend a graduation ceremony.
Privilege of the Floor by Legislators
Mr. Winch, District No. 8 Legislator, introduced Ken Schlather who has been hired as the new Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Mr. Schlather has owned a home in Freeville since 1988 and prior to coming to Tompkins County has done contract work with the United Nations in the food and agriculture area.
Mr. Schlather stated he is pleased with his new position. Over the last twenty years he has worked primarily with the international community. In analyzing the successes and failures he has had, he has found the most common ingredient in success in almost every situation was where there was cooperation from local government and the involvement of local people directly with researchers. Mr. Schlather said Cornell Cooperative Extension has a system that has this in place with the land-grant system. He stated the primary reason he came back to work in the United States was to work with a non-partisan group in a systematic way with local government, local people, and researchers. Mr. Schlather said he looks forward to working with the Legislature over the next few years.
Michael Lane, District No. 14 Legislator, spoke of the recent blackout due to failure of the northeast electrical grid and of hurricane Isabel that is expected to hit the east coast. He said there are people in Tompkins County in the emergency services area who plan for these kinds of disasters. He stressed the importance of the County having the communications capabilities that will allow those individuals to handle those situations.
Ms. Herrera, District No. 5 Legislator, thanked Mr. McCune and other individuals who are in attendance to express their feelings about Off-Track Betting in Tompkins County. She said she also has petitions available for signature. She suggested that everyone, regardless of their belief in Off-Track Betting, consider signing the petition to bring the issue to referendum.
Presentation of Resolution by the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 191 - APPROVING THE ISSUANCE BY THE TOMPKINS COUNTY
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF UP TO
$20,000,000 CIVIC FACILITY REVENUE BONDS (CAYUGA MEDICAL CENTER AT ITHACA,
INC. PROJECT),
SERIES 2003, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 147(F) OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE
CODE OF 1986, AS
AMENDED (THE "CODE")
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Totman. Ms. Kiefer said at the Committee meeting there was a question raised as to whether all of the things included in the resolution, such as the cafeteria, qualified for bonding and asked if that had been clarified. Mr. Lane said a copy of the letter he received from the bond counsel has been distributed this evening to all Legislators. In that letter, the bond attorney recommends that the language remain as presented because there are certain parts of the cafeteria work that may qualify as a renovation as well as parts that may not. The bond attorney feels the language should remain in the resolution so that it will cover those parts of the cafeteria renovations that are permitted under law.
It was MOVED by Ms. Kiefer, to amend the language in the resolution to read: "possible portions" of the cafeteria. MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF A SECOND. A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes - 14, Noes - 0, Excused - 1 (Legislator Penniman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Legislature (the "Legislature"), as the
elected legislative body of Tompkins County, New York, (the "County") has
been advised by the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (the
"Issuer") that, in order to assist in the financing of a certain Project
(as defined below) for the benefit of Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca,
Inc., (the "Hospital") the Issuer proposes to issue, contingent upon the
adoption of this Resolution, its Civic Facility Revenue Bonds (Cayuga Medical
Center at Ithaca, Inc. Project), Series 2003, in an aggregate principal
amount not to exceed $20,000,000 (the "Bonds"), and
WHEREAS, the project (the "Project") shall consist of: (A) the acquisition
by the Issuer of an interest in (i) an approximately 46-acre parcel of
land located at 101 and 102 Dates Drive, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, (the "Dates Drive Land") and the existing improvements located
thereon, consisting principally of the Hospital's 207,000 square-foot medical
center facility (the "Main Campus Facility"), and (ii) an approximately
4-acre parcel of land located at 10 Arrowwood Drive, Village of Lansing,
Tompkins County, New York, (the "Arrowwood Land" and collectively with
the Dates Drive Land, the "Land") and the existing improvements located
thereon, consisting principally of the Hospital's 34,000 square-foot medical
center facility (the "East Campus Facility"); (B) (i) the construction
of an approximately 6,200 square-foot two-story addition to the existing
Howell Education Center located at the northwest end of the Main Campus
Facility to be used to house the Hospital's information systems department,
conference center, training rooms and related improvements (collectively,
the "Education Center Improvements"), (ii) the renovation of approximately
18,000 square feet of the Main Campus Facility to be used as a new ambulatory
procedures center and to include an endoscopy suite containing three procedure
rooms, a seven-bed Level I surgery recovery area, a twelve-bed Level II
surgery recovery room area, three Level III bays and related improvements
(collectively, the "Ambulatory Improvements"), (iii) the renovation and
remodeling of the approximately 35 patient rooms containing in the aggregate
approximately 12,300 square-feet of space located on the third floor of
the medical surgical unit located within the Main Campus Facility (the
"Medical/Surgical Unit Improvements"), (iv) the construction of an approximately
6,000 square foot one-story addition to the Main Campus Facility to house
radiation oncology services (the "Radiation Improvements"), (v) the renovation
of the existing approximately 4,850 square-foot cafeteria located on the
first floor of the Main Campus Facility to enlarge seating capacity (the
"Cafeteria Renovations"), (vi) the renovation of the approximately 6,600
square-foot first floor entrance of the Main Campus Facility to include
the relocation of the gift shop, medical staff lounge, medical staff library,
medical records department and related improvements (the "Entrance Improvements"),
(vii) the renovation of the fourth floor of the Main Campus Facility containing
in the aggregate approximately 25,000 square feet of space and approximately
70 patient beds to improve patient care (the "Fourth Floor Improvements"),
and (viii) the acquisition and installation in and around the Main Campus
Facility of certain medical and related equipment, including, but not limited,
to pharmaceutical equipment, operating room equipment, radiology equipment,
information systems equipment, and time and attendance equipment (the "Capital
Improvements" and, collectively with the Education Center Improvements,
the Ambulatory Improvements, the Medical/Surgical Unit Improvements, the
Radiation Improvements, the Cafeteria Renovations and the Entrance Improvements,
the "Dates Drive Improvements"); (C) the renovation and upgrading of approximately
13,000 square-feet of space of the Imaging Center located within the East
Campus Facility to provide diagnostic radiology, ultrasound, mamography,
bone density, stereotactic biopsy, CT and MRI services and related improvements
(the "Arrowwood Drive Improvements" and, collectively with the Dates Drive
Improvements, the "Improvements"); and (D) the acquisition and installation
in and around the Improvements of certain machinery, equipment and other
items of tangible personal property (the "Equipment" and, collectively
with the Land and the Improvements, the "Facility"); (E) paying certain
costs and expenses incidental to the issuance of the Bonds (the costs associated
with items (A) through (E) above being hereinafter collectively referred
to as the "Project Costs"); (F) the financing of all or a portion of the
costs of the foregoing by the issuance of the Bonds; and (G) the lease
(with an obligation to purchase) or sale of the facilities financed with
the Bonds to the Hospital or such other person as may be designated by
the Hospital and agreed upon by the Issuer, and
WHEREAS, the Issuer proposes to assist in the financing of the Project
by issuing the Bonds to: (i) pay all or a substantial portion of
the cost of financing the Project, and (ii) pay reserves and costs incidental
to the issuance of the Bonds, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Ithaca Planning Board and the Village of Lansing
Planning Board, pursuant to Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation
Law and Regulations adopted thereto by the Department of Environmental
Conservation of the State (collectively "SEQR"), determined on September
3, 2002, and August 12, 2002, respectively, that the Project will not have
a significant effect on the environment within the meaning of SEQR, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"), interest on the Bonds will be included in
gross income for Federal income tax purposes unless the issuance of the
Bonds is approved by the Legislature after a public hearing to consider
the issuance of the Bonds has been conducted following reasonable public
notice, and
WHEREAS, on September 15, 2003, the Issuer held such a public hearing
upon proper notice in compliance with the Code, and
WHEREAS, to aid the Legislature in its deliberations, the Issuer has
made available to the members of the Legislature prior to this meeting
(a) the Hospital's application to the Issuer for financial assistance;
(b) the notice of public hearing published by the Issuer on August 16,
2003, in The Ithaca Journal, along with the affidavits of publication of
such newspaper, and (c) the minutes of such public hearing held on September
15, 2003, and
WHEREAS, the Legislature, after due consideration of the foregoing,
as the "applicable elected representative" of Tompkins County, New York,
within the meaning of Section 147(f)(2)(E) of the Code, desires to approve
the issuance of the Bonds, provided the principal, premium, if any, and
interest on the Bonds shall be special obligations of the Issuer and shall
never be a debt of the State of New York (the "State") or any political
subdivision thereof, including without limitation the County, and neither
the State nor any political subdivision thereof, including without limitation
the County, shall be liable thereon, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development, and Environmental
Quality Committee, That:
Section 1. For the purpose of satisfying the approval requirement of
Section 147(f) of the Code, on the recommendation of the Tompkins County
Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee, the Legislature
hereby gives its approval of the issuance by the Issuer of its Bonds and
related acts to be taken by the Issuer as part of the Project, provided
that the Bonds, and the premium (if any) and interest thereon, shall be
special obligations of the Issuer and shall never be a debt of the State
or any political subdivision thereof, including without limitation Tompkins
County, and neither the State nor any political subdivision thereof, including
without limitation Tompkins County, shall be liable thereon. This
approval is given pursuant to Section 147(f) of the Code for the sole purpose
of qualifying the interest payable on the Bonds for exclusion from gross
income for Federal income tax purposes pursuant to the provisions of Sections
103 and 141-150 of the Code.
Section 2. This Resolution shall be deemed to be made for the benefit
of the holders of the Bonds.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Presentation - Tompkins County Website
Greg Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, and Wendy Skinner, Public Information Coordinator, presented the Legislature with the County's revamped website. Mr. Potter said this was a major project the Web Resource Team has been involved in over the last two years. He said that Team is made up of employees of Tompkins County who came together to review the existing website and to provide recommendations on the best model County government should use in the future for updating and managing the County's website. Mr. Potter said the model the Team came up with after reivewing a number of them was one that provides more of an umbrella interface that is at the top of the website. It also allows departments to manage the style and contents of their departmental needs. Mr. Potter and Ms. Skinner presented the site and provided the Legislature with a demonstration.
Mr. Potter and Ms. Skinner stated the web site could not have been completed without the support, cooperation, and hard work of many people. The following individuals wrote, developed, provided their talents and support, or produced portions of the web site’s primary pages: Jim Blizzard, Public Information; Diane Bradac, Training and Development; Nathan Demarest, Deviron; Inc, Noah Demarest, Deviron, Inc; Asher Hockett, Mental Health; King Houston, Information Technology Services; Pat Nowakowski, Information Technology Services; Greg Potter, Information Technology Services; Ted Schiele, Public Health; Wendy Skinner, Public Information; Nathan Tarter, Information Technology Services; and Angie White, Information Technology Services. The Legislature complimented those involved for the new web design and thanked them for their hard work and dedication.
Mr. Penniman arrived at 6:19 p.m.
Chair's Report and Appointment(s)
Mr. Joseph reported on the Fall NYSAC (New York State Association of Counties) Conference that he recently attended, and stated much of the discussion centered around budgets. He reported that many other New York State counties are facing a situation similar to Tompkins County and for the most part they are behind Tompkins County in their budget process. Mr. Joseph said in one of the workshops there was a county budget roundtable that a NYSAC staff person was leading and he tried to get counties to all discuss their budget situations. During that public discussion there was not a lot of information shared as to what counties are facing or how they are planning to address the issues. Mr. Joseph said other counties are not as open about their process as Tompkins County is.
Mr. Joseph said he will place resolutions presented at the Conference on file in the Legislature Office. The top priority of NYSAC this year is to ask the State Legislature again to place a cap on the Medicaid cost to local governments. Mr. Joseph said because other counties are not fully involved in their budget process at this time, there are many issues they are not yet aware of such as the TANF shortfall, the cap on overburden aid, and further exploration of FMAP, the federal matching share for Medicaid.
Mr. Joseph reported at the Conference he also raised the subject of a local income tax as a way to relieve some of the pressure off the local property tax. He said he brought this issue before the Legislative Chair's Association and there was no other interest expressed in pursuing this. Mr. Joseph said it is probably not possible or wise for Tompkins County to pursue this on its own because State Legislation has to be adopted that would allow this and it is not something NYSAC is supporting at this time. However, after his presentation, several persons thanked him for it, so he may have planted a seed. Mr. Proto asked how many other counties in New York State have a disproportionate amount of property that is tax exempt. Mr. Joseph said 25 counties were in attendance and he could not answer how many counties have a significant amount of tax exempt property. However, he said he was approached by a representative of another county that has a SUNY school and they commented how much of their property was tax exempt.
Appointment(s)
Mr. Joseph had no appointments.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Whicher reported the Department of Social Services Commissioner Search Committee is half- way through its interviews. He said the Legislature will hear from the final candidates on October 7th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Wood reported the Padula case will go to trial next month. He said although the County has an insurance company so there is no financial risk, it is troubling to him that a county could be responsible for what happened in that case. Mr. Wood also reported his Office has been looking at costs associated with arbitration, risk management, and outside attorneys. This year the County seems to be doing well in terms of cost with the exception of high costs for assessment attorneys. This is due to the increased assessments for commercial properties and has resulted in high attorney costs. Mr. Wood noted this is one of the few areas of legal work that the County contracts for.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires commented on the resolution adopted earlier in the meeting and said New York State recently imposed a new tax on IDA financing. Mr. Squires said for the fourth consecutive month the County's sales tax receipts have been higher than budgeted. Mr. Squires praised his Department staff and said they have been tirelessly working to process the changes to the salaries and retroactive payment to employees as a result of the Sheriff's Department contract settlement. He also commented on a report received from Moody's Investment Service in which Tompkins County was listed as having a bond rating of Aa2 with a comment of having a negative outlook. Mr. Squires said a reasonable number of counties received a comment of having a negative outlook and this is because of the constraints they are operating under. One example is that Tompkins County does not generate revenue at the same rate of growth as Medicaid expenses. However, the Aa2 rating puts Tompkins in the top ten counties in New York State.
Additions of Resolution(s) to the Agenda
There were no resolution(s) added to the agenda.
Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda
Chair Joseph gave the appropriate committee chair permission to withdraw from the agenda the resolution entitled Adoption of Revised Rules of the Tompkins County Legislature.
Approval of Resolution(s) and Appointment(s) Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the following resolution(s) under the Consent Agenda.
RESOLUTION NO. 192 - ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FROM NEW YORK STATE EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT OFFICE TO DEVELOP A
MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL ALL-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the County has been awarded grant funds from the New York State
Emergency Management Office (SEMO) for the purpose of developing a hazard
mitigation plan for the participating partners in Tompkins County which
include Tompkins County and the Towns of Ithaca, Caroline, Lansing, Danby,
Enfield, Ulysses, and Groton, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning is prepared to administer this
grant on behalf of the participating partners, and
WHEREAS, the Towns of Ithaca, Caroline, Lansing, Danby, Enfield, Ulysses,
and Groton agree to a cash contribution of $32,500 to develop this hazard
mitigation plan, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development, and Environmental
Quality Committee, That the County hereby accepts SEMO funds in the amount
of $30,000,
RESOLVED, further, That the following adjustments be made to the 2003
Budget:
Revenue: 8027.42797 Other Local Gov’t Contributions $32,500
8027.43959 State Aid Planning $30,000
Appropriation: 8027.54400 Program Expense $62,500
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be
authorized to execute any contracts related to this project.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II - 21
RESOLUTION NO. 193 -AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF 2003 SMALL CITIES COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN GRANT APPLICATION
MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, under the Consent Agenda.
WHEREAS, the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Technical Assistance Grant Program is an important source of funding to
address community development objectives in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the vital Communities Development and Preservation Principles
support choice and affordability in housing options and focus on nodal
development within existing centers, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County comprehensive planning process has identified
a need for affordable housing, and
WHEREAS, this funding presents an opportunity for intermunicipal
cooperation among villages, local stakeholders, and Tompkins County, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and
Environmental Quality Committee, That Tompkins County is hereby authorized
to apply for funding for a 2003 Small Cities CDBG Technical Assistance
Grant for a Strategic Housing Development Plan,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee be
authorized to sign all documents related to the submission of the CDBG
Technical Assistance Grant application and any materials required by the
Governor’s Office for Small Cities.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
RESOLUTION NO. 194 - BUDGET ADJUSTMENT – MENTAL HEALTH
MOVED by Ms. Herrera, seconded by Mr. Winch, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, under the Consent Agenda.
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Director of Finance be directed to make the following budget adjustment on his books:
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Mental Health
Revenue Acct
Title
Amt Approp Acct
Title(s)-______
4311.43485 OMH Comm. Reinvest.
$ 4,039 4311.54400
OMH Flex
4311.43485 OMH Comm. Reinvest.
$ 95
4311.54400 OMH Flex
4318.43488 ICM MH
$ 359 4318.54400
OHM Comm. Reinvest.
4319.43488 ICM MH
$ 1,077 4319.54400
ICM MH
4319.43485 OMH Comm. Reinvest.
$12,576 4319.54400
OMH Comm. Reinvest.
4335.43485 OMH Comm. Reinvest.
$ 650 4335.54400
ICM MH
Explanation: New State funding amounts since County Budget Inception.
SEQR ACTION TYPE II-20
Appointment
The appointment was withdrawn from the Consent Agenda and approved at the end of the meeting.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Mr. Booth, Chairman, reported that at its last meeting the Committee received a presentation from Soil and Water Conservation officials. They are looking at the possibility of proposing to build a facility that would house them and several federal entities at the Bostwick Road site. Mr. Booth said that although there are a number of questions that exist, the Committee was pleased with the general direction of this proposal.
RESOLUTION NO. 195 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND – PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - HIGHWAY
MOVED by Mr. Booth, seconded by Ms. Robertson. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 249, dated October 16, 2001, authorized
a contract with Fisher Associates for design of Ellis Hollow Road Reconstruction,
and
WHEREAS, in adopting the Capital Program for 2003, the Tompkins
County Legislature postponed the project until 2006, and
WHEREAS, Engineering services in the amount of $26,328.99 had
already been expended with Fisher Associates, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure
and Budget and Capital Committees, That the Director of Finance be authorized
to make the following budget appropriation to pay Fisher Associates for
their professional services:
FROM: A1990.54400 Contingent Fund $26,328.99
TO: D5110.54442 Professional Services $26,328.99
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
Report from the Consumer and Community Affairs Committee
Ms. Kiefer, Chair, reported the Committee met on September 10th. She hopes the Committee will complete its budget reviews at the meeting tomorrow at 2:30 p.m.
Report from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee met on September 11 and heard a report from Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager, about the cost of laying off employees. He said the two significant costs the County would incur would be in the area of health insurance for up to one year and unemployment insurance. He said another factor that is not quantifiable is the change in diversification of the workforce.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee has met twice since the last meeting of the Legislature. At the regular meeting the Committee heard a number of updates from the Planning Commissioner, including the fact that discussions are ongoing with the City of Ithaca regarding the Cayuga Green project and how that may affect the solar panels at the Tompkins County Public Library. Mr. Lane said there is a concern that a tall building could block some of the sunlight and reduce power generation capabilities of the photovoltaic system. He said different possibilities are being explored, including how additional energy savings might be achieved through some other kinds of compensation. Mr. Lane said the Committee discussed the reconfiguration of the STOP-DWI program and making it part of the Planning Department. An action was taken to accomplish that and will come before this Legislature at the first meeting in October. Mr. Lane said the Committee plans to discuss forest land owned by the County and whether a plan should be developed for management of those forests. He reported the Committee reworked the guidelines for the Commercial Center Revitalization Program; unfortunately, that program may not be able to continue next year due to possible cuts to the budget.
RESOLUTION NO. 196 - DESIGNATION OF NAMED GIVING OPPORTUNITY AT MUSEUM
OF THE EARTH
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Ms. McBean. Mr. Booth noted
the County is not making a commitment to provide any additional or future
funding. The funds involved in this resolution are from Room Tax
and not the property tax. A voice vote resulted as follows:
Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 177 of 2003 awarded a Tourism Capital Grant
to the Paleontological Research Institution’s Museum of the Earth, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County was invited to select a location or exhibit
as a Named Giving Opportunity, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental
Quality Committee, That the designation of the Named Giving Opportunity
shall be the Ice Age Garden and the sponsorship plaque shall read “From
the People of Tompkins County”.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
RESOLUTION NO. 197 - MAKING A NEGATIVE DECLARATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL
SIGNIFICANCE IN RELATION TO
RESOLUTION NO. 198 OF 2003 (AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT 2003 SNOWMOBILE TRAILS
GRANT-IN-AID)
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Proto. Ms. Kiefer said she
cannot support this resolution because she feels there is insufficient
information to make the conclusions that are made in the Environmental
Assessment Form. Mrs. Schuler questioned the amount of
staff time that is involved in dealing with this and asked who is responsible
for signage for this.
Mr. Marx said this takes a significant amount of staff time and there are no opportunities available for reimbursement of administrative costs. He said the Department has been looking for guidance from the New York State Department of Transportation on how they are choosing to sign the crossings. He said the County will not be paying for signage. Mrs. Schuler asked that the Planning Department explore the possibility of using Room Tax to cover administrative costs. Mr. Marx said the work for this year has already been completed; however, that could be explored for next year.
Ms. Robertson said she cannot support this because she is concerned about the environmental impacts. She said the Environmental Management Council will be looking into a number of issues related to snowmobile trails in general.
Mr. Totman suggested this be postponed until further information is received. Mr. Marx said there isn't time to delay this resolution. He also spoke of the review by the Environmental Management Council and said they have had this before them and although they would like to review it in more detail, they already had sufficient time to conduct a review. Mr. Marx said he believes this should move forward at this time.
Mr. Lane spoke in support of this program and said anyone having questions should review the program's history. He said there are responsible groups who have formed snowmobile clubs and have worked to make trails that will be regularly used. They came to the County several years ago and said they needed a municipality to funnel funds from the State so they could do work to groom trails, improve signage, and promote safety in the snowmobile recreation field. He said their goal was to eliminate some of the problems that previously existed. Mr. Lane also spoke of the economic development factor and said he believes this is a draw to local tourism. He said the environmental damage that could occur by not promoting these groups would be much worse.
Ms. Herrera and Mr. Winch spoke in support of this program and recognized the role the individuals involved in development of these trails in making the snowmobile environment much safer.
A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 12, Noes - 3 (Legislators Kiefer, Robertson, and Schuler). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Resolution No. 198 of 2003, would authorize the Planning Department
to accept the 2003 Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aid funds from the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in the event
that grant funds are awarded, and
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Legislature has reviewed and accepted
as adequate an Environmental Assessment Form with respect to that action,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental
Quality Committee, That Resolution No. 198 of 2003 is an unlisted action,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Legislature hereby makes a negative
declaration of environmental significance in regard to Resolution No. 198
of 2003.
SEQR ACTION: Unlisted
(Short Environmental Assessment Form is on file in the Clerk's office)
RESOLUTION NO. 198 - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT 2003 SNOWMOBILE TRAILS GRANT-IN-AID
MOVED by Mr. Lane, seconded by Mr. Proto. Ms. Kiefer asked if acceptance of this grant gave approval of each group's three-year plan. Mr. Marx said it does not. A voice vote resulted as follows: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation administers a grant program to encourage local snowmobile
club stewardship and development of snowmobile trails in the state, and
WHEREAS, in order to be eligible for this grant program, a local municipality
must agree to sponsor the application and administer the program, which
the Tompkins County Planning Department has done for local snowmobile clubs
since 1998, and
WHEREAS, this year, five snowmobile clubs are proposing to maintain
115 miles of trails for snowmobile use in Tompkins County, and as part
of the grant application, each club prepared a three-year maintenance and
capital project plan which has been compiled for a master application,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Development and Environmental
Quality Committee, That the Planning Department is authorized to accept
the 2003 Snowmobile Trails Grant-In-Aid funds in the event that grant funds
are awarded.
SEQR ACTION: Unlisted
(Short Environmental Assessment Form is on file in the Clerk's office)
Mr. Penniman, Chairman, reported the Committee met on September 9 and continued to explore and identify potential cost saving in the budget. The Committee looked at the health insurance benefit that is provided to employees who have been laid off for one year and determined it has been a long-standing contractual benefit and could not be changed without negotiations with employees. The Committee also looked at the issue of who pays into the New York State Retirement System and was informed by Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager, that due to a change made three years ago at the State level, approximately half of employees pay into the Retirement System. For those employees having ten years of service or more the employee's share was removed. Mr. Penniman said it would require action by the State Legislature to change this.
The Expanded Budget Committee meetings will begin in approximately two weeks. He commented on program committee meetings and said they have been going smoothly and that staff has done a great job of working to identify possible savings. Mr. Penniman said they are working hard but finding it very difficult to get below the County Administrator's recommendation in many areas. At the next meeting the Committee will be discussing 2005 and what financial position the County may be in. The next meeting will be September 30 at 11:30 a.m.
Report from the Health and Human Services Committee
Ms. Robertson, Chair, reported the Committee has met twice since the last meeting of the Legislature to review departmental budgets. She said on September 18 the Committee will conduct a regular meeting for the first part of the meeting and then will conduct budget reviews for the Youth Services Department and human service agencies.
Report from the Public Safety Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met on September 4 and spent the first part of the meeting hearing a detailed description of the Sheriff's Department in all areas other than the Jail which had already been done at a previous meeting. Shortly after the meeting the compilation of all department overviews was completed and distributed to all members. She asked that all Legislators keep this information on-hand when the Expanded Budget Committee reviews public safety departments. The next meeting will be September 18 at 2 p.m. with representatives of Jacobs Facilities.
Ms. Blanchard said she, too, attended the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) Conference, and said there was a lot of concern about where the funds are going that are labeled for the State's version of homeland security and where all the money is going to come from to support 911 and the communications system. She said there was significant concern about the increased assigned counsel fees and a request was made to NYSAC staff to research what information other counties have in regard to public defender and assigned-counsel costs. Ms. Blanchard announced a joint meeting of the Public Safety and Health and Human Services Committees will be held on September 30 at 2 p.m. to hear a presentation from Kathy Schlather on the evaluation of alternative to incarceration programs.
Approval of Appointment(s)
Following clarification of residency, Mr. Lane MOVED, seconded by Mr. Proto, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the appointment of Tania M. Schusler to the Water Resources Council as a representative of Cooperative Extension for a term expiring December 31, 2005.
Report from the Communications Capital Project Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met today and heard a report from Arel LeMaro on the status of the Emergency Response Building project. She reported that construction is on schedule and although there was only a five percent contingency adopted with that project, that appears to be adequate. At the present time there have only been change orders in the amount of $14,000. Ms. Blanchard said contrary to what was reported in the media, a positive meeting was held with the Town of Dryden and issues that have been of concern continue to be addressed.
Report from the Space Needs and Location Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee met last week and continues to develop a report that will be delivered to the full Legislature. Mr. Proto said Ed Marx, Planning Commissioner, and Chrystal Buck have been asked to review existing facilities and what they are being used for. The Committee's goal is to provide the Legislature with a two to five-year horizon on what may be done with the buildings in addition to suggestions for other options for the buildings. Mr. Proto said that the Committee does not review budgets; however, they feel an obligation to make sure to provide other committees that deal with infrastructure have the best information that can be provided. The Committee also asked Mr. Marx and Ms. Buck to review the Welliver McGuire Report that was presented to the Legislature last year to make sure the County received all of the services that were paid for. Mr. Proto said major issues the Committee is addressing include the location of the Office for the Aging, location of the Health Department and parking needs, as well as with the court system. The next meeting will be October 8th.
Approval of Minutes
There were no minutes presented for approval.
Recess
Mr. Joseph declared recess from 7:47 p.m. to 7:55 p.m.
Executive Session
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Ms. Herrera, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to enter into executive session at 7:55 p.m. to discuss personnel matters. The meeting returned to open session at 8:30 p.m.
Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
Tompkins
County Legislature Homepage
Tompkins County Homepage
E-mail Comments about this
page