Chair Mink called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance and Roll Call of Members
Members and guests participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Present: 15 (Representative Lane arrived at 6:06 p.m.)
Privilege of the Floor by the Public
Erica Mims, Chair of the Community Affirmative Action Committee, spoke about the draft proposal the Board will be receiving to expand the membership of the Community Affirmative Action Committee. She said she invited two people this evening to speak who are interested in serving on the Committee. She stated she has worked with the two individuals in the Reach Diversity Study Circle which is an educational group and is chaired by Gino Bush, one of the individuals interested in becoming a member of the Committee. She asked the Board to take seriously the efforts the affirmative action community has done and the work they plan to do in the future.
Ellen Bonn, Board of Literacy Volunteers in Tompkins County, thanked the Board for its support. She said last year over 200 people were served in the adult basic education and the English as a Second Language program. There are fifty active tutors in the program. She announced tomorrow is International Literacy Day and in observance of that there is an open house from 11 to 4 at the offices of Literacy Volunteers. There will be a tour of the facility and an opportunity to meet the Director, Dave Smith, and some of the board members and tutors.
Gino Bush, Ithaca, expressed his interest in serving on the Community Affirmative Action Committee. He also spoke about the reach-diversity project he is involved with.
Privilege of the Floor by Board Members
Barbara Blanchard, District No. 1 Representative, announced TCAT once again is the national winner of an advertising campaign. They won first place with the American Public Transit Association's Ad Wheel Award Program. The awards were for an advertisement entitled "A Fare to Remember" and the newsletter "Streetwise". She also spoke about the article in the Ithaca Journal, September 7 issue, concerning the collaboration between the County's Environmental Management Council (EMC) and the County Board and fire and emergency group on the microwave towers project. She said the headline did not represent the nature of the story which was about the submission of the collaborative effort to the state EMC annual awards program for ways to do business between EMC's and county legislators.
Peter Penniman, District No. 15 Representative, spoke about the fire in an apartment building he manages during the last Board meeting. He said he was impressed with all the help and efficiency among the police departments, fire departments, Red Cross, Crisis Center, and others involved.
Chair's Report
Ms. Mink spoke about the rally in the Town of Caroline for the Coalition for Community Unity and said it was a very moving experience. She said she appreciates the work that is being done in the community and the progress being made in the steps discussed.
Library Construction Committee
Ms. Mink, Chair, said they will be going out to bid September 17. The committee looked at the finishes and design work and will meet again in October to open the bids and start renovation on the building.
Report from the County Administrator
Mr. Erb said he did not have a report.
Report from the County Attorney
Mr. Theisen said he did not have a report.
Report from the Finance Director
Mr. Squires said he did not have a report.
Additions of the Resolution(s) to the Agenda
On motion and duly seconded, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, the following resolutions were added to the agenda:
Chair Mink granted Mr. Koplinka-Loehr permission to withdraw from the agenda the resolution entitled Adoption of Regular and Supplemental Reports of Footings of Assessment Rolls.
Appointments Approved Under the Consent Agenda
This item was deferred to the end of the meeting.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Public Safety Committee
RESOLUTION NO. 200 - AWARD OF CONTRACT – CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES
COUNTYWIDE INFORMATION SHARING NETWORK (CISNET)
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Ms. Blanchard. Mr. Benjamin, Deputy County Administrator, gave a brief history on how the project was formed. He said it has been underway for two years. He said analysis teams were established by the Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board to look at how to improve the criminal justice system in Tompkins County. As a result, 12 recommendations were considered. One of the recommendations was a better way of sharing information between the components of the criminal justice system. The recommendation was presented and approved by the Public Safety Committee. The system will provide information in a more real-time and more efficient and accurate way for decision-makers to be able do their job. He said it does not change jobs or areas of responsibility. He distributed copies of a brief description of the project. Mr. Benjamin took this time to thank the following people for their work on this project: Criminal Justice Advisory/Alternatives to Incarceration Board members; Peter Meskill, former Chairman of the Public Safety Committee; Charles Evans, current Chairman of the Public Safety Committee; past and present members of the Public Safety Committee; Barbara Blanchard, Chair of the Communications Capital Projects Committee; Lou Withiam, member of E911 Operations Committee; Jack Miller, Fire, Disaster, and EMS Coordinator; Mayor Cohen; Ithaca Police Chief Basile; and members of the Board of Representatives.
Mr. Benjamin introduced the staff from his office involved with the project: George Hammer, Systems Administrator; and Tim Kessler, Systems Analyst. In addition he introduced Philip English, Program Manager, United States Department of Commerce National Telecommunication and Information Administration. Mr. English said the Department of Commerce project is a model program. Projects are selected that are exemplary and that will become a model or demonstration for other communities. He said Tompkins County was one of only six percent of the applicants that received a grant; 750 applications were reviewed and 46 were funded. He said the nation will look at Tompkins County as a model.
Mr. Stein asked what the ongoing costs would be expected to be attributed to this program. Mr. English said this is a two-year federal project and once the funds run out it becomes the County's responsibility to sustain it. He said there will be cost benefits from this. Mr. Benjamin said the costs will essentially be for salaries and benefits for current staff at a proposed cost of $150,000.
Ms. Kiefer asked how this information-sharing ability fits into the rest of the County's database design and information-sharing capabilities. Mr. Benjamin said the CISNET project is specifically public safety and the components that serve the public safety community.
Mr. Totman said he spoke with some of the people mentioned that were supportive of the project, however, it is his impression that they are not 100 percent supportive. He said he is not opposed to the project but feels the Board and community should receive more information before action is taken.
Mr. Lane arrived at this time.
Mr. Stein said there have been concerns raised about the security and privacy of this system and the protection of individual's civil rights. He said he has been assured that appropriate protection is in place for privacy and that in particular if there is some concern that an individual has that their privacy is not being protected that there is some mechanism available to deal with a personal issue. Mr. Benjamin said there is an obligation with the people who collect the information to protect and preserve it. He assured the Board that the privacy issue is of the utmost importance to them and always will be.
A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution: Ayes - 14, Noes - 1 (Representative Totman). RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, Tompkins County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for software and consulting services in connection with the Countywide Information Sharing Network (CISNET), and
WHEREAS, three (3) proposals were received and reviewed, with two (2) firms interviewed, and
WHEREAS, the three firms were scored via survey by three selection committees that included members from the Management, Operational, and Technical aspects of the project, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee be authorized to execute contracts or any other agreements necessary for project completion with TRW Systems & Information Technology Group, Denver CO, in the amount of $462,741, for the software and consulting services to provide the Countywide Information Sharing Network with an interface that will be used to share information between Criminal Justice Agencies and Departments within Tompkins County,
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator or his designee is hereby authorized to execute change orders totaling up to ten percent (10%) of the agreement amount,
RESOLVED, further, That funding for this contract is provided by a U.S. Department of Commerce Telecommunications and Information Infrastructure Assistance Program Grant (TIIAP) with matching Tompkins County capital project funds that have been previously approved.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met August 24th. The committee heard a report from the Assigned Counsel that family court cases are up over 45 percent from last year. He said over 2000 cases were handled last year. STOP-DWI arrests remain high, however, arrests from motor vehicle accidents remain extremely low. He said a brief presentation will follow the introduction of the Countywide Information Sharing Network (CISNET) resolution. He reported the Probation Department has six individuals on electronic monitoring and have also started it as a sanction to the Drug Court. The Sheriff continues to analyze his budget and stated the State did not include reimbursement for D and E felons which will affect the 2000 budget by about $90,000. The new generators are being installed and the fuel contract has been signed for them. Omni Point is doing a stress analysis test on the tower at the Public Safety Building. It is expected to be operational by September 15th. The committee discussed the County disaster response. The next meeting is September 28th at noon.
WHEREAS, the Sheriff’s Department 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 Quality Planning Committee, That the Director of Finance appropriate a total of $76,695 to the Sheriff’s budget for replacement pay for six to eight employees encompassing the period of April 1, 1999 through July 31, 1999,
RESOLVED, further, That the money be distributed to the following accounts:
FROM: CONTINGENT FUND A1990.54400 $76,695
TO: UNIFORM DIVISION A3113.51000 Regular Pay $28,628
A3113.58800 Fringe 7,157
CORRECTIONS DIVISION A3150.51000 Regular Pay $32,728
A3150.58800 Fringe 8,182
TOTAL $76,695
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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RESOLUTION NO. 202 - AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT AN AWARD OF A GRANT TO SUPPORT TRAINING FOR LOCAL INVESTIGATORS AND PROSECUTORS AT A CHILD FATALITY CONFERENCE
MOVED by Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Joseph and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the Deputy County Administrator for Criminal Justice Services has been notified of a grant award from a local foundation that wishes to remain anonymous in the amount of $7,500 to support training for local investigators and prosecutors at a conference entitled "Investigation and Prosecution of Child Fatalities and Physical Abuse" to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and
WHEREAS, there is no current or future financial or program obligation for Tompkins County to accept this grant, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That the County Administrator or his designee execute all contracts related to this award,
RESOLVED, further, That the Director of Finance is directed to make the following budget adjustment for 1999:
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT
FROM: (Revenue) A3989.42770 Other Miscellaneous Revenue $7,500
TO: (Appropriation) A3989.54412 Travel/Training $7,500
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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WHEREAS, the Probation Department has formally been notified that Federal aid will be provided through the Ithaca Drug Treatment Court for funding of one (1) 40-hour position of Senior Probation Officer effective September 1, 1999, and
WHEREAS, the Probation Department also wishes to increase the hours of two (2) Probation Officer positions from 35 to 40 hours and no additional funding is needed, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, That one position of Senior Probation Officer, labor grade P (16/597), 40 hours per week, is hereby created effective September 1, 1999,
RESOLVED, further, That the hours of two positions of Probation Officer, labor grade N (14/582) are hereby increased from 35 to 40 hours effective immediately.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Report from the Budget and Quality Planning Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, briefly reviewed the budget review schedule for October that was distributed to Board members. He asked that this be discussed later in the meeting after Board members have had time to review it. He also spoke briefly about the letter sent to Senator Seward endorsed by the Committee concerning the tobacco settlement being used to offset State expenses.
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr said there was significant discussion at the budget meeting about the role of committees and a proposal suggested that program committees prioritize this year. He noted committee chairs have the discretion as to how to prioritize. He feels this will be helpful.
Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee
Mr. Lane, Chairman, said the committee met August 24th. He reported the restructuring proposal for the Environmental Management Council continues to be discussed. The committee heard a report from the transportation council concerning the long-range plan. The committee discussed Commercial Revitialization Grants and approved two of the three resolutions presented to the committee. The resolution not approved by the committee is a proposal from the Danby Federated Church to redo its signage. It was felt the request did not meet the requirements. The other two resolutions are reflected on the Board agenda. In addition, he reported on one completed project approved in the commercial revitalization program in the Town of Groton. He said he had an opportunity to see the foot bridge which was one of the first grants approved. He will be requesting a presentation at a future meeting showing some of the projects. The committee received an update on two documents, the Natural Resources Inventory and the Unique Natural Areas Survey. Both documents will be distributed and explained to municipalities. He said $600,000 was received for the Community Development Grants for the County's Homeownership Program. He reported on the difficult situation with the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Board. A letter was received indicating that the County did not pay their dues and therefore have been "suspended" from the group. The County said it was disappointed in that action but continues to hope there will be changes in the leadership of that group and is still interested in issues of regional planning and willing to participate if it is felt the County is receiving services for its participation. For the present, the County's representatives will not be attending meetings at their request. He said a meeting will be held to see how the County wishes to proceed.
WHEREAS, the Commercial Center Revitalization Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) was assigned responsibility for providing advice on the award of grant funds for the revitalization of rural commercial centers, and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee has reviewed the applications for funding and has made recommendations based on the program guidelines of the Commercial Center Revitalization Program, and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee are within the budget for the Commercial Center Revitalization program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That the following project be approved:
Speedsville Community Hall Association (gazebo rebuilding) $3,400.00
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute any contracts related to this project.
SEQR ACTION:
Speedsville Community Hall Association: TYPE II-2
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WHEREAS, the Commercial Center Revitalization Advisory Committee (Advisory Committee) was assigned responsibility for providing advice on the award of grant funds for the revitalization of rural commercial centers, and
WHEREAS, the Advisory Committee has reviewed the applications for funding and has made recommendations based on the program guidelines of the Commercial Center Revitalization Program, and
WHEREAS, the recommendations of the Advisory Committee are within the budget for the Commercial Center Revitalization program, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations, and Education Committee, That the following project be approved:
Village of Dryden (for Dryden Apartment Company) $3,665.00
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute any contracts related to this project.
SEQR ACTION:
Village of Dryden (for Dryden Apartment Company) – TYPE II-7
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WHEREAS, through formal agreement with the State of New York , Tompkins County serves as the Host Agency for the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Ithaca-Tompkins County area, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Chair of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, the ITCTC developed a Unified Operations Plan that states, "Personnel decisions of the Policy Committee will be reported directly to the County Board of Representatives", and
WHEREAS, an additional staff person is needed for the ITCTC to fulfill its responsibility to maintain and update the travel demand model in accordance with the approved Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP), now therefore be it
WHEREAS, the ITCTC Policy Committee has approved adding a second Transportation Analyst position to the staff of the ITCTC, and
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Planning, Intergovernmental Relations and Education Committee, That one (1) position of Transportation Analyst, (13/676), labor grade M (13), 35 hours per week, competitive class, be created effective August 30, 1999,
RESOLVED, further, That no new money is needed for the creation of said position and will only be funded so long as outside funding is covered.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Government Operations Committee
Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, Chairman, said the committee met September 2. The new Interim Human Rights Director, Shawn Martel-Moore, was introduced. He said the Public Information Advisory Board is taking the lead on the public forum on the budget which is scheduled for September 28 from 7:00 to 9:00. There will be three parts: a question and answer for both the media and public and then time for Board members to be available to answer questions informally. He reminded Board members the Diversity training is scheduled for September 19 from 12:30 to 5:30. He said the committee continued discussion and approved a resolution for putting Assessment data on the Internet. He announced the position of Director of Organizational Development is being posted. The timeline for the revaluation in 2000 was discussed and a chart is available for other Board members if they wish. The committee discussed in executive session the negotiations with AES Cayuga and it was agreed that Representative Kiefer will be attending the first negotiation session. A brief report was given concerning the Affirmative Action proposal. He said there was a significant discussion at the Department Head meeting and would like to continue the discussion about their involvement in the hiring process. It is being proposed that the section in the proposal to increase membership on the Community Affirmative Action Committee be separated out to allow it to move forward sooner. The committee approved a local law to adopt the "Code of Tompkins County". The committee also approved the revisions to the Financial Disclosure Form as proposed by the Ethics Advisory Board. Mr. Squires updated the committee on the outstanding health insurance premiums for retirees. The committee approved a plan to standardize the payment process.
WHEREAS, the Division of Assessment has need for additional services from its Real Property Services Specialist, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the position of Real Property Systems Specialist, labor grade N(12), (12/730), white collar competitive class, be increased from 35.0 to 40.0 hours per week effective September 6, 1999,
RESOLVED, further, That no new monies are needed for this change in 1999.
RESOLUTION NO. 208 – AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH THE
WOMEN’S COMMUNITY BUILDING FOR USE OF FACILITIES
MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, seconded by Mr. Stein, and unanimously adopted by voice vote.
WHEREAS, the County Personnel Office requires the use of space for Civil Service Examinations, and
WHEREAS, the Women’s Community Building will provide space as needed for $150 per examination, and
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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A voice vote resulted as follows on the resolution: Ayes - 15, Noes - 0. RESOLUTION ADOPTED.
WHEREAS, the Board of Representatives of Tompkins County has entered into a project for the codification of local laws and ordinances of Tompkins County for the purposes of increasing the effectiveness of county governmental administration, providing for greater public awareness of and access to county legislation, and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of county inhabitants, and
WHEREAS, the proposed codification has been published in loose-leaf form and the Board of Representatives now desires to formally effect the adoption of said codification by enactment of a local law, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, 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, September 21, 1999, at 5:30 o’clock in the evening thereof concerning proposed Local Law No. g of 1999 – A Local Law to Provide for the Codification of the Local Laws, Ordinances, and Certain Resolutions of Tompkins County into a Municipal Code to be Designated the "Code of Tompkins County". 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.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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WHEREAS, Tompkins County Board of Representatives in Resolution No. 31 dated the 16th of February, 1999, strongly supported and urged passage of bills in the 105th Congress (HR3081), New York State Senate (1038), and New York State Assembly (1573) which would make bias-related violence or intimidation a criminal offense, and
WHEREAS, simply the intention to organize a hate group prompted a huge outcry from our constituency causing over 500 members of our community to gather and express opposition, and
WHEREAS, physical violence and verbal abuse of a racially motivated nature continues to occur in our County causing individual harm to County residents (including incidents such as one that occurred on July 24, 1999 involving Jonathan Hamm, Kim June, and Collie White, III), as well as general community distress, and
WHEREAS, major local political bodies (to wit: the City of Ithaca Common Council, the Ithaca City School District, and the Tompkins County Board of Representatives) have all passed resolutions supporting State and Federal prosecution of hate crimes, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Government Operations Committee, That the Tompkins County Board of Representatives reaffirms its support of making bias-related violence and/or intimidation criminal offenses and strongly urges passage of New York State Senate S1030, 106th Congress HR1082 and S622 bills,
RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives commends the New York State Assembly for passing bill A1573.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Report and Presentation of Resolution(s) from the Economic and Workforce Development Committee
Mr. Stein, Chairman, said the committee has not met. He said the Committee will begin budget reviews tomorrow. He announced the September 9th meeting is cancelled.
WHEREAS, the Greater Ithaca Art Trail is proposing to create an ongoing opportunity for visitors and community residents to visit and experience art and the art making process, and
WHEREAS, the symbolic kick-off of the Greater Ithaca Art Trail will be an open studio weekend on October 2nd and 3rd, 1999, and
WHEREAS, the County has received a request for funding from the tourism grant program to provide assistance to the kick-off of the Greater Ithaca Art Trail, and
WHEREAS, the Strategic Tourism Planning Board has reviewed this one-time request and recommended that the following funds be granted to support the Greater Ithaca Art Trail:
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Economic and Workforce Development Committee, That the following grant be approved:
Convention and Visitors Bureau $10,000
RESOLVED, further, That an appropriation from the Room Tax Fund Balance be made for this expense:
APPROPRIATION FROM:
A0908.0000 Room Tax Fund Balance $10,000
APPROPRIATION TO:
A6475.54497 Tourist Attractions $10,000
RESOLVED, further, That the County Administrator be authorized to execute any contracts related to these projects.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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WHEREAS, Resolution No. 233 of 1998 authorized the purchase and renovation of the building at 115 East Green Street for the new Tompkins County Public Library, and
WHEREAS, New York State Public Library Construction Funds may be available to provide additional funds for the construction of the new library, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Library Construction Committee, That the Library Director be authorized to execute a grant application with New York State for Public Library Construction Funds,
RESOLVED, further, That Tompkins County hereby certifies that matching funds will be made available in Capital Project Account HL 7480.59239.74.80 up to a total of $100,000.
SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20
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Report from the Health and Human Services Committee
Mr. Winch, Chairman, said the committee has not met. The next regular meeting is September 9th. The committee will begin their budget reviews tomorrow.
Report from the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee met this morning and began budget reviews. The committee authorized the funding for the replacement of a very large culvert on Podunk Road in the Town of Enfield. The next meeting is September 16th and will continue to review budgets.
Appointments Under the Consent Agenda
It was MOVED by Mr. Koplinka-Loehr, and duly seconded, and unanimously adopted by voice vote to waive the Rules of the Board to add to the Consent Agenda the following appointments to the Public Information Advisory Board.
On motion, and duly seconded and adopted unanimously by voice vote, the following appointments to the Public Information Advisory Board were approved. Terms are two years with the expiration dates to be determined.
Jimmie Dunston – At-large Representative
Geoff Dunn – At-large Representative
Satomi Hill – At-large Representative
Connie Kottmann – At-large Representative
David Pelletier – At-large Representative
Larry Roberts – At-large Representative
Gordon Rowland – At-large Representative
Following a brief discussion and minor modifications, the Board approved the budget calendar for October.
Report from the Air Services Task Force
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee has not met. The next meeting is September 17th.
Report from the Communications Capital Projects Committee
Ms. Blanchard, Chair, said the committee met August 24th and will meet again September 28th. The Committee discussed the Memorandum of Understanding and distributed draft copies of it. It is being reviewed by all parties involved and will next be discussed at the September 15th City's Planning and Development Committee meeting asking for their endorsement and adopting a resolution in support of the Department of Transportation relocation project. The physical work on the various sites for that project continues to move forward. She reported the E911 consolidation project space needs are complete and the fire and emergency services subcommittee are working on the operational plan. The microwave tower portion is expected to have a draft report from Dutch Hill Systems in a few weeks. The committee reviewed a proposed contract with LaBella Associates for services related to architectural and engineering work for the pre-schematic phase.
Report from the Information Management Committee
Mr. Evans, Chairman, said the committee met today and discussed a new project of remapping the soils in Tompkins County and putting that information in the GIS system. The committee also discussed organizing the GIS responsibilities between departments that provide that information and setting up a consistent map format and fee schedule among those departments. The operating systems will be up to date by the first of the month for Y2K. There are three servers that need to be replaced: Health Department, Probation Department, and the one responsible for the mail files.
Report from the Library Coordination Committee
Mr. Proto, Chairman, said the committee met August 31st. The committee discussed at length the funding stream for the reading centers. He said the Town of Lansing is interested in library services and has invited several representatives and Janet Steiner to a meeting to discuss options. The Committee discussed various options for library structures and will be reviewing them at the next meeting. He brought to the Board's attention the State regents commission which Janet Steiner, Public Library Director, serves on, is looking at a recommendation to restructure public libraries and re-charter them along school district boundaries. He said more information about this will be available after September 30th.
Report from the Public Safety Building Space Committee
Mr. Joseph, Chairman, said a group has been meeting and discussing a possibility of a halfway house. They are looking at two models. One is to designate a part of the jail and run a program out of there. The other is to have a stand-alone halfway house where people move out of the jail into the halfway house. The two issues discussed today is there would probably be a population of 6 or 7 people at a time in the halfway house and the staffing costs for 24 hours a day would probably make that prohibitive for a stand-alone operation. On the other hand, running something in the jail it was learned the Sheriff's authority to release people for the purposes that we were interested in is limited. As a result, there are two possibilities. One is to run a scaled-back operation within the jail and the other is look at the halfway house more broadly for drug and alcohol rehab programs, mental institutions, etc. He said at this point, the first option, the scaled-back operation, is the one that looks the most promising.
Approval of Minutes
It was MOVED by Mr. Winch, seconded by Mr. Todd, and unanimously adopted by voice vote, to approve the minutes of the August 10 and 17, 1999 meetings.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
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