Present: Merwin Armstrong, John Daniels, Tom Hartnett, John Steger,

Others present: Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Susan Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature; Donald Chambers, Superintendent of Highways; Bob Buerkle, Deputy Superintendent of Highways; Dave Hicks, Motor Equipment Fleet Supervisor; Sid McEvoy, Cooperative Extension; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; Jeremy Boylan, Cortland Standard

Absent: Dan Tagliente, Steve Dafoe and Newell Willcox

Mr. Schrader called the meeting to order at 7:45 a.m.

Mr. Daniels moved adoption of the minutes of the March 7, 2006 meeting; seconded by Mr. Steger. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Award Highway Equipment Motor Grader Highway Department – Mr. Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Hartnett. Mr. Daniels inquired about why only one bidder met specifications and there is such a great price difference between the others. Mr. Chambers explained that the significant price difference was due to the fact that the others did not meet the specification requirements. Mr. Hartnett inquired about what the specifications were. Mr. Chambers explained that the department was looking for a 14 foot Grader because a 12-foot grader was not capable of doing the work that was required. Mr. Merwin asked if the other companies had a 14-foot Grader. Mr. Chambers and Mr. Hicks explained that there was an additional dealer that had a 14 foot Grader and the bid specifications were had delivered to them. They further explained that the company chose not to turn in a bid. Mr. Schrader discussed that others have a smaller engine and were not as efficient. Mr. Chambers further explained that the smaller machinery is less efficient than the larger machinery and added that they will save on machinery and labor by purchasing the 14-foot Grader. He additionally discussed that this purchase will be replacing a 1977 Grader, which will be transferred and used at the Landfill. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

2. Award Bids Highway Department – Mr. Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Chambers requested making a revision to the resolution due to the fact that the bidder does not meet the specifications with regards to crack filling. Mr. Chambers asked that Suit Kote be substituted in the place of Bothar Construction. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved as revised.

3. Landfill Purchase (Tractor) Highway Department Equipment – Mr. Hartnett moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

4. Landfill Purchase (Several) Highway Department Equipment – Mr. Daniels moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Schrader explained that this is machinery in surplus that is going to the Landfill. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

5. Authorize Amnesty Day - County – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels. Mr. Schrader explained that this was done last year. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

6. Authorize Amnesty Day – Lime Hollow – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

7. Authorize Issuance of Theatrical Production and Custodial License – Dwyer Park – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels. Mr. Schrader asked Mr. Van Donsel the status of a State issue of long term leases. Mr. Van Donsel explained the status. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:

1. Request for painting – Catholic Charities for retaining wall – Mr. Chambers explained that there is referring to retaining wall on Telephone Road outside the Hamlet of Cincinnatus. A competition is being held at Cincinnatus High School attempting to come up with a mural for the wall. Mr. Chambers also explained that Fire Service would provide traffic control during the time that the kids are painting. Mr. Schrader explained that his concern is insurance. Mr. Chambers explained that he would request to have Cortland County added as an additional insured. Mr. Van Donsel discussed a Hold Harmless and Indemnity clause. No committee members present voiced any objections.

2. Purchase of Highway Equipment from New York State Bid – Mr. Chambers discussed that this was to purchase several pieces of equipment on New York State Bid. He further stated that this would complete the purchase of equipment for the 2006 Capitol Project. He went on to state that there are additional pieces of equipment to replace and all discussed that he will still remain within budget with these additional purchases. Mr. Chambers also discussed purchasing equipment with money within the highway budget and a not using money from the bond. Mr. Daniels made a motion to authorize the Highway Department to purchase a crew cab dump truck, park mower, a tractor sweeper, two (2) two-way radios and two (2) electronic salt controls for salt spreaders; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

3. Select Engineering Firm – Mr. Schrader explained that the Highway Department would be in need of an engineering firm in the future, regarding projects. Mr. Chambers explained that in the past when selecting an engineering firm the selection has been done by a small group consisting of the Superintendent of Highways, Deputy Superintendent of Highways, County Administrator and the Chairman of the highway Committee. He further discussed that Mr. Tagliente has requested to not be involved in this selection process but he did recommend that Mr. Daniels be involved and represent the Highway Committee. Mr. Chambers and Mr. Buerkle further explained the regional New York State Department of Transportation’s pre-approved list-engineering consultants. No committee members present voiced any objections to Mr. Daniels being part of the selection process.

4. Camp Owatha driveway repair – Mr. Chambers explained that during the last storm portions of the driveway at the camp were washed out and it is in need of repair. Mr. Chambers explained that it would take approximately ½ day to repair and approximately $1,000. No committee members present voiced any objections.

Mr. Chambers explained that at the last meeting the committee approved the purchase of the Stake Rack Truck and the actual price is $150 higher. No committee members expressed any objections to the increase in the price.

Mr. Buerkle discussed a new aircraft owner relocating to Cortland County with twin-engine turbo prop aircraft. Mr. Buerkle further explained that the airport will be able to accommodate this aircraft. He additionally explained that that aircraft requires jet fuel therefore the owner would need to bring his own tanker with jet fuel for use in his plane and not for sale. There will be no additional cost to the county and everything will be within standards. Mr. Van Donsel inquired about the fire department being notified of this new plane. Mr. Chambers assured the committee that the fire department would be notified. Mr. Schrader discussed his concerns related to the environmental issues and the liability. No committee members expressed any objections.

Mr. Chambers explained that he was contacted by the Town of Solon with a request to purchase a piece of equipment, the excavator that would normally be sold at auction. He went to explain further that the Towns of Preble and Cincinnatus are both interested in the same piece of equipment, chipper. Mr. Chambers explained that there is some question as to which town contacted his department first. Mr. Schrader discussed allowing both towns to submit sealed bids with a minimum bid of $4,000. No committee members expressed any objections. Mr. Daniels made a motion to transfer the excavator to the Town of Solon for market value price and to transfer the chipper to the town, which submitted the highest bid; seconded by Mr. Steger. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

Mr. Chambers briefly discussed the capping of the Towslee Landfill.

Mr. Chambers reported to the committee on the City of Cortland bringing recycling to the Recycling Center. He discussed that he has been in contact with Mr. Damiano of the City and is working on resolving problems and encouraging Superior to return to the Recycling Center. Mr. Chambers went on to discuss the accident at the Recycling Center, which damaged the door. He explained to the committee that insurance quotes have been received.

Mr. Chambers discussed ash being used as cover at the landfill is non-hazardous and within New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Guidelines. Mr. Daniels inquired about the ash being wet. Mr. Chambers explained that the ash is wet with clay like consistency and it will be stored outside. He went on to explain that the ash would be constantly monitored and would address any potential problems before they become problems.

Mr. Steger inquired about the hauling of leachate. Mr. Chambers explained that he received the permit from the DEC just yesterday and they would begin to haul leachate 7 days a week.

Mr. Armstrong inquired about replacing a culvert on North Tower Road. Mr. Chambers was aware of the culvert he was referring to and explained that he would do a study on it and obtain some more accurate figures.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 am.