Called to Order

Ms. Mink 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: 12 Representatives. Excused – 3 (Representatives Evans, Stein, and Winch).

Privilege of the Floor by the Public

Larry Roberts of the Finger Lakes Independence Center, thanked the Board for adopting the proclamation in July that recognized July 26 as the Tenth Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in Tompkins County. Mr. Roberts particularly thanked Representative Evans for his commitment to individuals with disabilities.

Privilege of the Floor by Board Members

No Board member wished to speak under privilege of the floor.

Chair’s Report

Ms. Mink announced the reappointment of Shary Zifchock as Democratic Election Commissioner for a two-year term commencing January 1, 2001. She also announced that Mr. Erb, County Administrator, would be arriving late this evening.

Report from the County Attorney

Mr. Theisen, had no report; however, he said that an attorney from the law firm for the tobacco settlement will be available by telephone to answer questions that may arise this evening.

Report from the Finance Director

Mr. Squires reported the property foreclosure auction will be held on September 16^th at the Human Services Building. He called attention to a publication that his office has produced that shows a photograph and describes each parcel.

Addition of Resolution(s) to the Agenda

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

Directing the Chair of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives to Enter into an Agreement to Securitize 50 percent of the Tobacco Settlement

Award of Bid – Lake Street Over Trumansburg Creek Bridge Replacement – BIN 3210350

Withdrawal of Resolution(s) from the Agenda

There were no resolution(s) withdrawn from the agenda.

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

It was MOVED by Ms. Blanchard, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the following appointment(s) under the Consent Agenda:

Human Rights Commission

Candice Diaz – term expires December 31, 2002

Environ mental Management Council

John Dennis – Village of Lansing Representative – term expires December 31, 2000

RESOLUTION NO. 185 - AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO. 87 OF 2000 - AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE EXTENSION OF HIGHWAY SNOW AND ICE AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF NEW YORK

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

WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has heretofore entered into an agreement in 1974 with the State of New York pursuant to Section 12 of the Highway Law relating to control of snow and ice on State highways in towns and incorporated villages, and

WHEREAS, Sections 7 and 10 of said agreement respectively provide a method of modifying the map of affected State highways and for annually updating the estimated expenditures, and

WHEREAS, it would be in the best interest of the County to extend said agreement currently set to expire June 30, 2000 as modified and updated, for an additional year, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That an extension of said snow and ice agreement is hereby authorized for a period of one year from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001, and the County Administrator be and hereby is authorized and directed to execute such extension on behalf of the County.

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RESOLUTION NO. 186 - AWARD OF BID - CR113A - OLD BROOKTONDALE ROAD - RETAINING WALL REPLACEMENT

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

WHEREAS, the Department of Finance - Division of Purchasing has duly advertised for bids for CR113A - Old Brooktondale Road Retaining Wall Replacement, and

WHEREAS, three (3) bids were received and publicly opened on Thursday, August 17, 2000 and contract awarded to Dean Calice Construction of Green, New York by the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee on August 22, 2000, and

WHEREAS, Dean Calice has since withdrawn their bid and forfeited their bid bond, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the contract be awarded to Silverline Construction of Burdett, New York with a base bid of $170,976,

RESOLVED, further, That the funds are available in Account No. D5111.54411 and within the budget of $175,000.

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WHEREAS, Federal OMB Circular A-87 requires the preparation of an annual indirect cost report in order to recover indirect cost reimbursement for certain Federally assisted programs, and

WHEREAS, the firm of Jack Venesky, CPA, is unique in its specialized practice in the area of Federal and State program cost reporting, and

WHEREAS, over the past 10 years with the assistance of Jack Venesky, CPA, the Indirect Cost Reports have generated in excess of $4,500,000 in reimbursement as compared to the consultants fees totaling $129,000, and

WHEREAS, the Finance Director has recommended that it would be in the best interest of the County to renew the Cost Allocation agreement with Jack Venesky, CPA, because of cost and time efficiencies developed as a result the consultant’s familiarity with the County’s operations, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the Departments of Finance, Health and Social Services are authorized to enter into a multi-year contract with Jack Venesky, CPA, for the preparation of annual cost report for the years 2000-2002, at a fee of $12,900 annually.

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

Mrs. Schuler, Chair, reported the Committee met prior to the Board meeting and much of the business conducted at that meeting is reflected on the agenda. Mary Pat Dolan, Commissioner of Social Services, reported that Sandy Mulvey, who is with the Managed Care Division of the Department, is moving forward with total care and they are working on contacting the State and the Department of Health for approval. Once approval is received they will begin client education. She said they already have 71 providers in place. Ms. Dolan also reported the next neighborhood mixer will be October 23^rd from 3-6 p.m. Mrs. Schuler announced the Committee will meet to review departmental budgets on September 13, 14, and 18.

WHEREAS, Tompkins County Office for the Aging (COFA) has been awarded funding via the New York State Office for the Aging in order to provide services through the Health, Insurance, Counseling, and Assistance Program (HICAP), and

WHEREAS, COFA wishes to contract with the Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council, Inc., in order to offer these services, and

WHEREAS, COFA wishes to grant the Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council, Inc., $3,945 for expenditures incurred during the period September 28, 1999 thru March 15, 2001, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That COFA is authorized to contract with the Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council, Inc., for the period of September 28, 1999 through March 15, 2001 in the amount $3,945.

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RESOLUTION NO. 189 - CREATING A CASEWORK ASSISTANT POSITION AT THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Ms. Davis. Ms. Kiefer said this resolution commits the County for three years and although the first year does not involve County funding, the subsequent years are. She asked if adoption of this resolution means a commitment is being made to fund this in the second and third year. Ms. Dolan stated the Hoyt funding will cover over 100 percent of the cost of this position for the first year and will likely cover at least 100 percent for the second year. She said because of the nature of the work, the program will be evaluated on an annual basis. She said she feels this is something that can be tapered off and integrated into other positions in the Department as things become more normalized with the program and they reach a sustained outreach.

Mr. Proto asked where the money other than the salary money would be spent. Ms. Dolan said it will go towards hosting a conference, creating brochures, and other types of advertising as long as the benchmarks in the grant are met. She said because the nature of grant is declining funding, it is the Department’s intention that by the end of the three years, to integrate the activities into the regular program of the Department. Mr. Proto asked if the position would end when the three-year time period ends. Ms. Dolan responded that she thinks it is likely that the position will continue beyond that period because the number of individuals being served in personal care and homecare has increased substantially over the past few years. Ms. Dolan agreed to provide Mr. Proto with a copy of the grant.

A voice vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Ayes – 12, Noes – 0, Excused – 3 (Representatives Evans, Stein, and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Department of Social Services has been awarded a $50,000 grant for a program to combat elder abuse, and

WHEREAS, the project budget includes 100 percent funding for a new position in the Grade 11 title Casework Assistant to execute the work plan, and

WHEREAS, the grant provides 100 percent funding for the first twelve months of the project, 75 percent in the second year, 50 percent in the third, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That a full-time, 35 hours per week, Casework Assistant position (11/750), labor grade K(11), be created effective immediately,

RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance shall be instructed to make the following budget adjustments to his books for 2000 to recognize acceptance of the grant funding to cover the personnel and other costs associated with this project:
 
 
 
 
 
 

Budget Adjustment

Revenue: A6010.53610 State Reimbursement $14,467

Appropriation: A6010.51000 Salary 9,696

.58800 Fringe 2,424

.54330 Printing 746

.54412 Travel/Training 667

.54424 Equipment lease 934

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RESOLUTION NO. 190 - CREATION OF A TREATMENT COURT CASE MANAGER POSITION - DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Todd. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 12, Noes – 0, Excused – 3 (Representatives Evans, Stein, and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) desires to create a Treatment Court Case Manager position to carry out the goals of assessment, referral and follow-up for treatment of families involved with DSS Children's Services and the Tompkins County Family Court using existing and available community resources, and

WHEREAS, the funding for this Family Treatment Court initiative will be provided through a combination of existing Social Services Department funds and Criminal Justice program grant money, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That one position of Treatment Court Case Manager (84/264), labor grade M (84), 40 hours per week, competitive class, be created effective immediately,

RESOLVED, further, That no additional funding is needed.

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Report from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee

Mr. Penniman, Vice Chairman, said the Committee has not met since the last Board meeting. The next meeting will be September 19^th at which time there will be a review of departmental budget requests. Mr. Penniman announced that he and Representative Stein will be attending the Fall NYSAC Conference in Albany that will begin this weekend. They will be taking resolutions that have been approved by this Board with them to discuss at the conference and will report back to the Board on the discussions that take place.

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

Mr. Totman, Chairman, reported the Committee met on August 10^th. He said OAR reported that to date there have been 615 volunteer hours, with a goal of 900 for the year. In July, there were 34 assigned counsel affidavits. John Beach, STOP-DWI Coordinator, distributed statistics from the Sheriff’s Department. The figures presented were very similar to the ones from last year at this time. Tim Joseph, Committee Member, reported that the issue of a district court has resurfaced and the Committee asked the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board to look into this and report back to the Committee. The Probation Department reported that there has been a decline in the number of individuals enrolled in the electronic monitoring program, with only seven involved at this time. He said the Sheriff informed the Committee that he has several positions that are currently on vacation or disability, which has resulted in his request for additional funds. Mr. Totman said the Committee was also presented with the goals for the Fire, Disaster, and EMS Department.

RESOLUTION NO. 191 - APPROPRIATION FROM CONTINGENT FUND FOR REPLACEMENT PAY AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE

MOVED by Mr. Totman, seconded by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr. Mr. Proto asked Kathy Leinthall, Director of Probation, to bring the Board up-to-date on the electronic monitoring program. Ms. Leinthall said overall the program has worked out quite well. Although there have been two instances where an individual has released themselves from their monitoring bracelets, they were located and the equipment was returned to the program. A short roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 12, Noes – 0 Excused – 3 (Representatives Evans, Stein, and Winch). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.

WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Office has employees who were disabled or injured and unable to perform their duty, and

WHEREAS, the Fiscal Policy of Tompkins County allows for such replacement pay for employees who have been out longer than two months, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the Director of Finance appropriate a total of $88,321 from the Contingency Fund to the Sheriff’s budget for replacement pay encompassing the period of January 1, 2000 through July 31, 2000,

RESOLVED, further, That the money be distributed to the following accounts:
 

FROM:		A1990.54440		$88,321
TO: Criminal Investigations		A3112.51000 Regular Pay		5,909
		A3112.58800 Fringe		1,477
Uniform Division		A3113.51000 Regular Pay		1,688
		A3113.58800 Fringe		422
Corrections		A3150.51000 Regular Pay		63,060
		A3150.58800 Fringe		15,765
		TOTAL		$88,321

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WHEREAS, staff resignations and prudent fiscal management have resulted in sufficient monies to increase the hours of these positions without requiring additional funding, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the hours of two 35 hour per week Probation Officer positions (14/585), two 35 hour per week Senior Probation Officer positions (16-597), and one 35 hour per week Probation Supervisor position (88-211) be increased to 40 hours per week effective September 1, 2000,

RESOLVED, further, That no new monies are required.

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WHEREAS, a staff member of the Fire, Disaster and EMS Office resigned and has received terminal pay at a total of $5,055, and

WHEREAS, Section 5.03(B) of the County Fiscal Policy describes Departmental Entitlements, including contingent fund requests for the unbudgeted costs of terminal pay for employees, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the following budget appropriation be made:

FROM: A1990.44000 Contingency Fund $5,055

TO: A3410.51000 Regular Pay $4,044

A3410.58800 Fringe Benefits $1,011

RESOLVED, further, That this adjustment is for 2000 and does not affect the Fiscal Target for 2001.

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

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the Committee met on August 22 and at that meeting she reported that the Committee that was formed some time ago to advance the downtown transportation center project had met and had determined it needed to recommend a site for the center and also that the project needs to move ahead quickly, otherwise the funds will not be available. Congressman Hinchey’s representative was in attendance at that meeting and assured the Committee that this needs to move forward. Ms. Blanchard said the recommended prime site for the Center is block 14. This is the location of the current parking lot for the Human Services Building. She said the group is referring this site preference to the City with a request to move forward with this. Ms. Blanchard said plans for a transit center there would include a parking garage and would include all of the conditions outlined in the County’s Memorandum of Understanding with the City for the Human Services Building.

The Committee also heard from the Airport Manager that the cost of demolishing the Old Terminal building and dealing with the hazardous materials is in the range of $188,000. He informed the Committee he has applied for funds from the State to pay for this.

Ms. Blanchard said a while back she reported that Oneida Airlines had expressed interest in providing service to the Tompkins County Airport. She said Oneida Airlines a.k.a. Legacy Airlines, will not be using service from the Airport. She said there is a lot of confusion surrounding the company and she will report back when she knows more.

Ms. Blanchard said the grand opening for the Household Hazardous Waste Facility has changed from October 24 to October 16 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. She said the remainder of the meeting was spent discussing the structure of the Public Works Department.

Mr. Proto, Member , reported a presentation on the TCAT budget will take place on the September 25^th at 4:30 p.m. in the Human Services building that include representatives from Tompkins County, Cornell University, the City of Ithaca, and the TCAT Board.

WHEREAS, the Department of Finance - Division of Purchasing has duly advertised for bids for Lake Street Over Trumansburg Creek Bridge Replacement, and

WHEREAS, three (3) bids were received and publicly opened on August 29, 2000, and

WHEREAS, the Village of Trumansburg and Town of Ulysses have agreed to share in the funding of construction of the project with a combined contribution of $189,638, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, That the contract be awarded to Silverline Construction, Inc., of Burdett, New York with a base bid of $497,116 (the County share of the bid, $307,478, is within the budget of $330,000 for this project) which is $10,000 less than the Engineer's estimate,

RESOLVED, further, That the funds are available in Account #D5111.54411,

RESOLVED, further, That the Engineering Division is hereby authorized to execute change orders to the contract up to 10 percent of the value of the contract.

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

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Committee met on August 3 and continued discussion on contract negotiations and the salary surveys. He also said the Committee received an update on the County internship program, received an update from the Affirmative Action program, and ways to increase the effectiveness of advisory boards. He said the Committee has scheduled meeting dates to review departmental budget requests. They have also scheduled time to review the Human Rights Commission and Information Technology Services programs.

Mr. Proto asked when Board members that do not serve on the Committee would be provided with information on the salary surveys that are being done. Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said he will let Mr. Proto know when the Committee will discuss this again so that he can attend the meeting.

WHEREAS, a Tompkins 2020 Committee of the Board of Representatives was created in 2000 for the purpose of defining and measuring the community's quality of life as a foundational reference point for the future efforts by any group to improve the quality of life in Tompkins County over a period of time, and

WHEREAS, to achieve this a Tompkins Quality-of-Life Committee, a committee of residents, was created to carry out the details of the task and for which expenses will be incurred, and

WHEREAS, Resolution No. 75 of 2000 appropriated $2,500 for program expenses related to advertising, printing, postage, office supplies, meetings, and facilitators for the Tompkins Quality-of-Life Committee that were not available in the Board of Representatives' budget, and

WHEREAS, additional funding is needed to cover program expenses for the remainder of the year, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Tompkins 2020, Government Operations and Budget and Fiscal Policy Committees, That the following budget appropriation be made:

FROM: A1990.54400 Contingent Fund $5,500

TO: A1010.54400 Program Expense $5,500

RESOLVED, further, That these funds be appropriated for 2000 only and do not affect future Fiscal Targets.

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Report from the Planning and Intermunicipal Coordination Committee

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee met almost a month ago and heard from Monika Crispen of Cooperative Extension on the Agriculture and Farmland Protection implementation and the idea of a program to buy development rights on farms. The purpose of this is to protect open space by having a municipality apply for grant funding from the State to keep the land in agricultural production in the future. The Committee discussed whether this is something the County should be involved in or whether it should be left to the towns. Nancy Zahler, Director of the Tompkins County Youth Board, was in attendance at that meeting and presented the Recreation Partnership proposal that will be acted on during the budget process. Mr. Lane said they will be asking the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board for their opinion on this matter. He said the next rural issues forum will be held in the Town of Danby on September 28^th at 7:30 p.m. and hopes several Board members will be in attendance.

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

Mr. Joseph, Chairman, reported that the Committee will be spending the next month reviewing the Capital Program. He distributed a draft of an October Expanded Budget Committee schedule and asked that Board members comment on the schedule.

Ms. Mink began discussion that she is disappointed that three Board members are not in attendance. She complimented the Board members who wrote op-ed articles that appeared in today’s Ithaca Journal. She said both sides of the issue were addressed and the articles did a good job of clarifying some of the questions that have been raised. She said the one thing that was not mentioned in either article was this resolution which is a compromised position which hedges the risk by securitizing half of the yearly proceeds.

Ms. Kiefer noted that the NYSAC representative who briefed the Board on securitization referred to the tobacco settlement involving 46 states and asked that the number in the resolution be checked. She also said that her op-ed article had mentioned that some Board members support 50 percent securitization.

Mr. Joseph said this resolution is about how to assess the risk that the tobacco settlement payments will actually arrive; it is not about whether or not this Board will undertake capital projects with the funds. The Board will decide to undertake capital projects depending on the need, rather than the ability to pay for them with tobacco money. He said the County has its own ability to bond for capital projects which is actually cheaper than bonding through the tobacco settlement. He said he does not believe anyone is contemplating undertaking a particular capital project because the tobacco money is available. Mr. Joseph said this is also not about whether tobacco money should be used towards tobacco prevention or health care efforts. He said it is also not about tax relief; if the money is securitized and used for capital projects, that means the Board will not have to pay for those capital projects by raising taxes; if it is not securitized and goes into the General Fund to cover ongoing operating budgets, it means the Board will not have to raise taxes to cover those. He said either way it provides tax relief. Mr. Joseph said this is about whether the tobacco settlement will completely fail and about protecting the County against the tobacco companies going bankrupt or finding a way to relieve themselves of their obligation under this settlement and not make the payments at all.

Mr. Joseph said it will cost the County ten percent of the money to buy protection against this from happening, and the only question is whether Board members feel ten percent is a reasonable price for that type of protection. In order to make a decision on this, Mr. Joseph said the Board needs to make an attempt to predict the future, which is not possible. He said he does not feel the risk is worth ten percent; however, he will not criticize anyone who disagrees.

Ms. Blanchard thanked Mr. Joseph for making his clear and concise description of the situation. She said she will support this and would like to see others support it as well.

Mr. Proto said he will support this resolution because he believes he has a concern that if a portion of this money is not left in the General Fund the public will not be aware of what the Board is doing because it will be going towards capital projects. He feels that by keeping the remaining fifty percent in the General Fund the Board will have an opportunity to discuss and debate how it will be spent.

Mr. Lane said he appreciates that statement made by Representative Joseph. He stated he has been opposed to the concept of securitization from the beginning because the conservative approach is to maximize the return the County will have from the tobacco companies on this settlement. He noted Cortland County voted 17-1 against securitization. He said the tobacco companies may go bankrupt, but feels they are not individual businesses, but conglomerates, and does not feel the use of tobacco is going to decrease in the coming years. Mr. Lane said this money did not come on the back of the taxpayers directly, but is the settlement of a lawsuit that is structured to distribute money over a period of time and is a result of the money spent by Medicaid on illnesses caused by smoking. Mr. Lane said if the Board chooses to securitize a portion or all of this money, the Board is forced to use it on capital programs. He said he is not opposed to doing that, but does not believe the Board should do it at a long-range cost of $1 million to the residents of Tompkins County. He said the County can issue its own tax-free revenue bonds and secure them with a revenue stream.

Mr. Penniman said he feels this resolution represents a good compromise between both sides of the issue. He feels this is a type of insurance policy and said all insurance carries a price with it. He said he is concerned about the enormous amount of money tobacco companies are spending on attorneys and would probably support securitizing up to 80 percent of the funds.

Mr. Totman said he agrees with Ms. Mink’s comments that all Board members should be present to vote on this important subject.

There was discussion about the possibility of postponing action on this until the next Board meeting. Ms. Mink stated that this resolution will likely be defeated. She suggested that the Board proceed with a vote and that it be brought back by a member who voted in the affirmative at the next meeting so that all Board members can cast a vote.

A roll call vote resulted as follows: Ayes – 6 (Blanchard, Mink, Penniman, Proto, Todd, and Totman); Noes – 6 (Representatives Davis, Joseph, Kiefer, Koplinka-Loehr, Lane, and Schuler); Excused – 3 (Representatives Evans, Stein, and Winch). RESOLUTION FAILED.

WHEREAS, Tompkins County is a participant in the Master Settlement Agreement negotiated between the Participating Tobacco Manufacturers and the Attorneys General of 52 States and Territories, and

WHEREAS, it has been estimated, but not guaranteed, that the County will receive approximately $55 million over the next thirty years from this settlement, and

WHEREAS, the County has the option of accepting these payments on an annual basis or receiving a lump sum amount through securitizing a portion of the proceeds, and

WHEREAS, the New York State Association of Counties has established a trust that will allow counties to share issuing costs for tobacco revenue bonds, and

WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives wishes to securitize a portion of its tobacco settlement proceeds to fund capital projects, and

WHEREAS, the board has adopted a local law authorizing the sale of its rights, title, and interest in tobacco assets and creating a local development corporation that will serve as purchaser of said assets, and

WHEREAS, this resolution, as adopted, is subject to adoption of a local law, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Chair of the Board of Representatives be instructed to take all actions necessary to proceed with securitization through said Local Development Corporation of 50 percent of the Tompkins County share of tobacco settlement proceeds scheduled to be received over the next thirty years.

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WHEREAS, a public hearing has been held before the Board of Representatives on August 1, 2000, to hear all persons interested in proposed Local Law No. g of 2000, and

WHEREAS, Tompkins County is a participant in the Master Settlement Agreement negotiated between the Participating Tobacco Manufacturers and the Attorneys General of Fifty-two States and Territories, and

WHEREAS, in order to secure to present generations a portion of the benefits intended to be conferred by the MSA, it may be desirable for the County to sell all or a portion of its rights, title and interest in, to and under the Decree to a local development corporation to be created by the County pursuant to the Not-For-Profit Corporation Laws of the State of New York, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Budget and Fiscal Policy Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives authorizes the sale of its rights, title, and interest in, to and under the settlement agreement with the various tobacco companies, including in particular the monies payable to a county there under (the "Tobacco Assets"),

RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives authorizes the creation of a local development corporation ("LDC") pursuant to Section 1411 of the Not-for-Proto Corporation Law who will serve as the purchaser for the Tobacco Assets,

RESOLVED, further, That proposed Local Law No. g of 2000 - A Local Law Authorizing the Sale of its Rights, Title and Interest In, To, and Under the Settlement Agreement With the Various Tobacco Companies, Including in Particular the Monies Payable to Tompkins County There Under, be and hereby is adopted,

RESOLVED, further, That the Clerk of the Board shall publish in the official newspaper of the County a notice of adoption containing a synopsis of said Local Law, and shall within five (5) days file one certified copy in the Office of the County Clerk, and one copy with the Secretary of State.

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Report from the Communications Capital Project Committee

Ms. Blanchard, Chair, reported the committee met on August 22. Jonathan Wood, Deputy County Attorney, reported that of the six properties they were interested in optioning, he has successfully optioned three of those and the other three are in the process. She said Brian Wilbur, Ithaca Fire Chief, reported on the consolidated dispatch issue, and said there will be some additional refinement of the work that the subgroup has been doing on identifying the appropriate site for a consolidated dispatch facility. The Committee also heard that seven RFP responses have been received for the environmental review for the communications project. Copies of the actual submissions by David Cook, New York State Office of Technology, are available in the Board Office. The next meeting will be September 26 at noon. The Committee also was given a presentation on what the State is planning as far as a consolidated emergency communication system, and Bill Benjamin is positioning Tompkins County to be an early participant.

Report from the Information Management Committee

Ms. Kiefer, Vice Chair, reported the Committee met today at noon. She said that Greg Potter, Director of Information Technology Services, has drafted a very comprehensive list of topics for which policies and procedures need to be developed and has asked departmental representatives to prioritize them. She said this is one of the items the Committee will be dealing with during the remainder of the year.

Report from the Intermunicipal Resource Sharing Committee

Ms. Mink, Chair, reported the Committee had a very productive meeting with Rolf Pendall, Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning for Cornell University. The next meeting will be September 22.

Report from the Old Library New Futures Committee

Mr. Lane, Chairman, reported the Committee will meet on September 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Report from the Tompkins 2020 Committee

Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, reported the Tompkins 2000 Quality of Life group will meet tomorrow evening.

Report from the Census 2000 Committee

Mr. Proto, Chairman, reported the Committee held a wrap-up meeting at the Six Mile Creek Winery. He thanked Wendy Skinner, Public Information Coordinator, and Casey Stevens from WHCU, for all their efforts with this project.

Approval of Minutes of July 25 and August 1, 2000

It was MOVED Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Kiefer referred to Resolution No. 184 – Authorizing the County Administrator to Enter into Purchase Agreement for the Sale of Biggs A and asked that the resolution contain information relating to a the time frame the agreement is to be executed in and the dollar amount of that agreement. The Board agreed to this change; Jonathan Wood, Deputy County Attorney, will provide the information so that it can be included in this resolution.

Recess

Chair Mink declared recess from 7:12 p.m. to 7:20 p.m.

Report from the Deputy County Administrator

William Benjamin reported that Becky Richmond has been hired to fill the position of Criminal Justice Director and will begin work on October 10^th. Ms. Richmond is currently employed by the San Franciso Sheriff’s Department.

Executive Session

It was MOVED by Mrs. Schuler, seconded by Mr. Totman, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to enter into executive session at 7:20 p.m. to discuss real estate negotiations. The meeting returned to open session at 8 p.m.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.