Budget and Finance Committee

December 14, 2006 at 7:30 am

Executive Session

8:40a.m. to 9:05a.m

CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

PROPERTY ACQUISITION

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Members:                   Ron VanDee, Chairman; John Troy, Vice Chairman; Sean Clark, John Daniels, Danny Ross and Dan Tagliente                         

Others Present:          Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Tom Williams, Legislator; Richard C. Van Donsel, County Attorney; Dennis Whitt, County Auditor; and Katrina Spicer, Secretary to Administration

The Budget & Finance Committee went into Executive Session at 8:25 a.m. to discuss property acquisition. 

Mr. Schrader proposed a cite plan for a Health Facility housing the Health Department and Mental Health Clinic.  He provided a map showing the area on South Main Street in the City of Cortland for the proposed Health Facility.  Additionally, he distributed a Health Facility Visual Simulation – Main Street, City of Cortland depicting Potential Infill Development and the Existing Site Conditions and a conceptual site plan to all Committee members.  The area he discussed included the Moose Lodge and other adjoining property.  Mr. Schrader discussed individual properties that were involved in the property acquisition.  He explained that the facility would consist of a 30,000 square foot building and a parking area containing 150 parking spots.  He added that according to the current city code this size building would require 200 parking spots.  He further discussed that he had a meeting with Mayor Gallagher and Mayor Gallagher has suggested some other parking alternatives.  Mr. Schrader expressed that Mayor Gallagher is on board with the proposed facility.  Mr. Ross suggested parking across the street.  Mr. Schrader further discussed that he has made this proposal to the Buildings and Grounds Committee and they have approved the plan and authorized acquisition of the property.  Mr. Schrader discussed two properties that were not included in the acquisition at the time of the proposal to the Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting.  He stated that he did not include them in the proposal because he did not want to take that much property off the City of Cortland tax roles but after his meeting with Mayor Gallagher, the Mayor is in agreement to include these two other properties in the acquisition.  Chairman Brown inquired about the tax impact on the City of Cortland.  Mr. Schrader explained that the impact will be about $10,000 for the City of Cortland and added that this is not a huge amount for them.

Legislature Williams suggested that since this property acquisition would be next to Kellogg Auto that possibly Kellogg Auto could make improvements.  Mr. Schrader explained that he discussed that with Mayor Gallagher and there will be funding set aside to consider that.  Mr. Schrader and other Committee members discussed improvements to the alleyway in that area and facade improvements in that area.  Mr. Van Donsel inquired about who owns the dominant property.  Mr. Ross explained that the Loyal Order of the Moose and Wood are the dominant properties involved in this acquisition.  .   

Mr. Schrader explained that he is looking for Budget & Finance Committee’s approval for the property acquisition. He additionally explained that $3 million would be utilized from the Tobacco Securitization and the total project would cost between $5 and $5 ½ million.  The County would bond for these funds.  Chairman Brown inquired about grants.  Mr. Schrader explained that grant funds would be sought.  Mr. Schrader discussed seeking input from the City of Cortland regarding this project. Mr. Van Donsel suggested that the County go to the City for an informative session.  Mr. Schrader discussed the process to begin this project and he would like to start to break ground late summer or early fall of 2007.  He anticipated the project to last about 12 months.  Mr. Tagliente explained that if the project could be started early to mid summer the cost of construction labor would be less.  Mr. Van Donsel expressed that he anticipates closing on property to take about 45 days.  Committee members discussed asbestos removal and suggested speaking with Amanda Barber regarding this.  Mr. Schrader discussed DEC regulations that are involved and an asbestos mitigation plan.  Mr. Clark inquired about what exactly is to be housed in this facility.  Mr. Schrader expressed that the Health Department and Mental Health Clinic including Horizon House are to be in this facility.  Committee members discussed the rent that would be saved in the Mental Health Clinic and possible state funding.  Mr. Schrader explained that this could be an anchor in a down trodden neighborhood.  He expressed that the design is to mirror the historic downtown area.  Mr. Tagliente discussed the positions that could be cut in nursing staff if the CHHA licenses are granted.  Mr. Schrader explained that CHHA is only one space and discussed some possible uses for that space.  Mr. Daniels inquired about a basement.  Mr. Schrader stated that is part of the design consideration at this time.  Mr. Daniels expressed that if there is a basement then records could be stores and it could also change the weight requirement of the structure.  Mr. Schrader explained that he is interested in having a basement and discussed using it for records storage and mechanics. 

Mr. Van Dee expressed that he would like to schedule a Ward Meeting for the 5th Ward.  Mr. Schrader expressed that the Mayor has asked to hold off until he has an opportunity to discuss this at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 19, 2006.  Mr. Van Dee expressed that he is in agreement with that but would like an opportunity to address his constituents about this.  He added that it is only fair to them.  The Committee decided that a Press Conference would be held Wednesday during the day sometime and Mr. Van Dee could host a meeting Wednesday evening.             

MR. VANDEE MADE A MOTION TO AUHTORIZE MR. SCHRADER TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND PROPARE A RESOLUTION TO BE BROUGHT TO THE FLOOR OF THE FULL LEGISLATURE AT THE DECEMBER 21, 2006 LEGISLATIVE SESSION - SECONDED BY MR. TROY – ALL MEMBERS PRESENT VOTING IN FAVOR – NONE APPOSED – MOTION CARRED.

The Budget & Finance Committee came out of Executive Session at 9:05a.m with nothing to report.

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