Chairman Steve called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm and led the Salute to the Flag.

The Clerk read the roll and all members were recorded as present, except Mrs. Tytler recorded as absent.

On motion of Mrs. Brown, seconded by Mr. Behrenfeld and adopted by all members present voting aye, the minutes of the March 18, 2004 session were approved as printed.

Chairman Steve granted Privilege of the Floor to Peter Koryzno, representing the Cortland Regional Sports Council. Mr. Koryzno thanked the body for the opportunity to give a presentation. Mr. Koryzno stated the idea behind the CRSC is to promote sporting events in the County and coordinate the efforts by everyone involved in bringing the events here. Mr. Koryzno spoke about the newly constructed sports stadium at the college as a facility that can be utilized for large events. Mr. Koryzno stated that a steering committee was formed to look at the possibility of a Sports Council and it is now in motion. A Board of Directors will be set up and partnerships will be formed to move this concept forward. Mr. Koryzno gave a power point presentation that highlighted many of the ideas and concepts of the CRSC and about structure and economic impact possibilities. Mr. Koryzno invited Jim Dempsey to speak. Mr. Dempsey talked about the multiplying factor with the dollars that will be brought into the community. Mr. Dempsey stated with a focus on youth and amateur sports events, the families coming into the County make the economic impact even greater. Mr. Dempsey thanked the Legislature for allowing this time for the presentation. Mr. Koryzno stated that several factors were considered in the formation of the CRSC and the strengths of Cortland County were exceptional; ie; Central location, proximity to I-81, natural resources, areas of interest and facilities. Mr. Koryzno envisions the CRSC promoting the community as a whole and being a facilitator for other agencies to use when promoting an event. Chairman Steve thanked Mr. Koryzno and Mr. Dempsey for the presentation stating this organization is an asset to Cortland County. Chairman Steve assured that the Budget and Finance Committee would be looking into the possibility of funding through Occupancy Tax monies.

Chairman Steve recognized the Cortland County Nutrition Program for their thirty years of service to the Cortland Community. The Clerk read the proclamation, which Mr. Steve presented to Carol Deloff, Director of the Area Agency of Aging and Cindy Easton, Director of the Nutrition Program. Mrs. Deloff thanked the Legislature then spoke of a recent trip when she accompanied a driver on a delivery and was told by the woman how the driver had saved her life when he found her unconscious and called help. Mrs. Deloff stated that the Nutrition Program definitely has made an impact on Cortland County over the past thirty years in many ways and will continue. Mrs. Easton also thanked the group and stated it is a pleasure to serve the many residents of the community.

Chairman Steve recognized the Foster Parents of Cortland County for their unselfish giving to the youth of our community. The Clerk read the proclamation, which Mr. Steve presented to Kristen Monroe, Commissioner of Social Services. Mrs. Monroe thanked the Legislature. Mrs. Monroe stated that Foster Parents who are the ones that make this program work are serving around 150 children a year. Mrs. Monroe introduced Don McCall who will be receiving the Foster Parent of the Year Award at their dinner. Mr. McCall stated that it was an honor to be recognized by your peers for doing something that you enjoy so much. Mr. McCall stated that Foster Parents may be the heart of the program, however the soul are the caseworkers who spend countless hours doing their jobs to protect the children of the County. Mr. McCall feels it is an honor to be able to help children.

Chairman Steve recognized the Cortland County Soil and Water District for their diligent work of protecting Cortland County’s Water Supply. The Clerk read the proclamation, which Mr. Steve presented to Amanda Barber. Mrs. Barber thanked the Legislature and also thanked the Water Board for their hard work.

Chairman Steve recognized all Administrative Professionals for their hard work as support staff. The Clerk read the proclamation.

Chairman Steve recognized April as Parliamentary Law Month. The Clerk read the proclamation. Mr. Steve presented both proclamations to Ann Homer thanking her for all the dedicated work assisting the third floor with parliamentary procedures and administrative duties.

On motion of Mr. Cornell, seconded by Dr. DiGiovanni and adopted by all members present voting aye, Letter of Appointments to Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board was ordered received and filed.

On motion of Mr. Ross, seconded by Mr. Allen and adopted by all members present voting aye, the 2003 Annual Report of the Cortland County Historian, Cathy Barber, was ordered received and filed.

On motion of Mr. Steve, seconded by Mr. Allen and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 01 became Resolution No. 113-04: Appoint County Auditor, Abolish Accountant/ Amend Budget. Chairman Steve stated that the financial situations throughout the county need to be addressed with a person who is accountable to the Legislature. Chairman Steve stated this position will be an asset to the community as a whole and is hopeful that within the next 1½ years many of the current problems will have been addressed. Chairman Steve commented that the following resolution supports this position and allows the person filling the County Auditor position to devote full time resolving the problems. Dr. DiGiovanni stated that he supports the position and noted that this was a priority at the David Guido Strategic Planning Summit held at TC3. Mrs. Breed stated that the person in this position would be looking at processes and procedures to bring the County in compliance with the State of New York.

On motion of Mr. Steve, seconded by Mrs. Brown and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 02 became Resolution No. 114-04: Create/ Authorization to Appoint Deputy County Auditor/ Amend Management Compensation Plan/ Amend Budget

On motion of Mr. Steve, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 03 became Resolution No. 115-04: Appoint Director, Weights and Measures (Carl Moses) Chairman Steve noted this position had changed from part-time to full-time.

On motion of Mr. Steve, seconded by Mr. Ross and adopted by all members present voting aye, except Mr. Steve who requested and was granted permission to abstain, Agenda Item No. 04 became Resolution No. 116-04: Award Proposal/ Authorize Agreement Third Party Administration/ Cortland County Health Insurance. Chairman Steve assured employees that the coverage they now have would continue. Chairman Steve stated that this is a Third Party Administrator and the administration will be working with the unions and the company to provide a smooth transition. Chairman Steve apologized to all that had been inundated with the personal attacks on him and this administration. Chairman Steve stated that BCG had been retained by the County to look at the Health Insurance Administration and provided RFP’s to be reviewed. Chairman Steve noted the solution is clear and in the best interest of Cortland County with a projected savings between $350,000. to $500,000. and a possibility of premium reductions. Chairman Steve noted this amount represents a 3% savings on the tax levy which will continue for until 2006 because of being able to negotiate no increase until then. Chairman Steve noted there were three contenders in the process. Chairman Steve asked Mr. Schrader, County Administrator, to clarify the process. Mr. Schrader stated Chairman Steve had referenced some allegations that were made and noted that a memo had been placed on all Legislators desks answering those. Mr. Schrader summarized that the statements, which were e-mailed to Legislators as well as the letter written to the Editor by the Carte Group, contained numerous statements that were untrue. Mr. Schrader stated the letter and e-mails were unprofessional and disrespectful and completely out of line. Mr. Schrader stated there was no comparison between what Carte had done to what BCG had done. Mr. Schrader explained BCG provided a professional response through an RFP process, provided an executive summary, and details concerning the differences of the proposals. Mr. Schrader stated the Carte Group had done none of that. Mr. Schrader stated the Carte Group is a broker and while it was indicated they were receiving no fee for work being done, their relationship with Pomco could have garnered a $320,000 payment. Mr. Schrader stated there was no letter from the County assigning Carte Group or naming them as the broker on record, therefore there was no contract for their services. Mr. Schrader said discussion with Chairman Steve led to the formal process that BCG provided which was the proper way to do business regarding the Health Insurance Program. Mr. Schrader noted there was an indication that Blue Cross and Blue Shield and RMSCO were one and the same. Mr. Schrader noted they have the same parent holding company, however have completely different management structures and personnel. Mr. Schrader noted that all the comments contained in the e-mails and the letter to the Editor sent by a Carte representative were worth a grain of salt.

On motion of Mr. Behrenfeld, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 05 became Resolution No. 117-04: Authorize Agreement, Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Innkeepers

On motion of Mr. Behrenfeld, seconded by Mr. Ross and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 06 became Resolution No. 118-04: Requesting New York State Legislature Enact S.6221/A.3483 Standardizing the Treatment of Collateral Sources

On motion of Mr. Behrenfeld, seconded by Mrs. Breed and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 07 became Resolution No. 119-04: Amend Budget/ Transfer Funds, Public Defender’s Office/Data Processing Department

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 08 became Resolution No. 120-04: Authorize Agreement/Accept Additional Funds, Health Department/Administration (Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program)

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mr. Wern and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 09 became Resolution No. 121-04: Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health Department/Administration (Community Coalition for Diabetic Prevention Project)

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mrs. Breed and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 10 became Resolution No. 122-04: Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds, Health Department/Administration (Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Grant)

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mr. Ross and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 11 became Resolution No. 123-04: Authorize Agreement/Accept Grant Funds/Amend Budget, Health Department/Administration (Healthy Heart Disabilities Initiative)

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mrs. Brown and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 12 became Resolution No. 124-04: Authorize Agreement, Health Department/Nursing Division (Licensed Home Care Services Agencies)

On motion of Dr. DiGiovanni, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 13 became Resolution No. 125-04: Authorize Grant, Mental Health Department (Family Support Services)

On motion of Mr. Allen, seconded by Mr. Elston and adopted by all members present voting aye, except Mrs. Breed who requested and was granted permission to abstain, Agenda Item No. 14 became Resolution No. 126-04: Award Material Bids, Highway Department

On motion of Mr. Allen, seconded by Mr. Steger and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 15 became Resolution No. 127-04: Authorize Design Build Agreement, Highway Department

On motion of Mr. Allen, seconded by Mr. Elston and adopted by all members present voting aye,

Agenda Item No. 16 became Resolution No. 128-04: Authorize Agreement, Highway Department (Environmental Monitoring)

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mrs. Breed and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 17 became Resolution No. 129-04: Replace Radio Equipment at Virgil Tower Site, Cortland County Department of Fire & Emergency Management

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 18 became Resolution No. 130-04: Replace Tower Equipment at Virgil Site, Cortland County Department of Fire & Emergency Management.

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 19 became Resolution No. 131-04: Authorize Agreement, Fire & Emergency Management (State of New York – FFY 2004 LEMPG)

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mr. Allen and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 20 became Resolution No. 132-05: Setting Tower Lease Rates and Authorizing Lease Agreements

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mr. Steger and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 21 became Resolution No. 133-04: Accept State Homeland Security Grants Awards, Fire & Emergency Management (Division of Criminal Justice Services – DCJC)

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mrs. Brown and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 22 became Resolution No. 134-04: Authorize Agreement, Youth Bureau (Bus Lease – Cincinnatus Central School District)

On motion of Mr. Wern, seconded by Mr. Allen and adopted by all members present voting aye, except Dr. DiGiovanni who requested and granted permission to abstain, Agenda Item No. 23 became Resolution No. 135-04: Authorize Agreement, Coroner’s Department (Cortland Memorial Hospital)

On motion of Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mr. Elston and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 24 became Resolution No. 136-04: Authorize Agreement, Data Processing (Systems East)

On motion of Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mr. Tagliente and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 25 became Resolution No. 137-04: Authorize the Purchase/Placement of Four Drop Boxes/Authorize Agreement, County Clerk’s Office (Department of Motor Vehicles). Chairman Steve stated this was a step in the right direction and that the Planning Department was developing a map of key locations for the placement.

On motion of Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mrs. Brown and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 26 became Resolution No. 138-04: Amend Flexible Spending Plan, Personnel/Civil Service Department

On motion of Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mr. Elston and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 27 became Resolution No. 139-04: Support "Eliminate the Sunset Provisions/Establish Permanently the Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund (LGRMIF) and the Cultural Education Fund (CEF)"

On motion of Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mr. Steger and adopted by all members present voting aye, Agenda Item No. 28 became Resolution No. 140-04: Establish Policy, Resolution of Encumbrances on Real Property (County Attorney)

Chairman Steve applauded all Legislators for sticking together as a team to move the County forward in addressing problem areas, noting he knew there had been a great deal of pressure from outside to negatively affect the progress that was being made by the actions taken tonight.

Mr. Cornell announced there would be a Republican Caucus following session.

Mr. Cornell noted that he and Mr. Allen had visited Senator Seward, Assemblyman Kolb and Assemblywoman Lifton in Albany on April 14, 2004 and presented the resolutions regarding mandate relief, pension reform and highway funding to each of them. Mr. Cornell stated the visit was worthwhile and encouraged others to consider making the trip to lobby.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm.

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