Buildings & Grounds Committee
February 7, 2006 - 8:30 am
Members: Steve Dafoe, Chairman; Dan Tagliente, Vice Chairman; Kay Breed, John Daniels, Newell Willcox
Others Present:
Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County
Administrator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Danny Ross, Legislator;
Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Brian Parker, Superintendent
of Buildings & Grounds; Tim Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Buildings
& Grounds; Tom Huttleston, Safety Officer; Lee Price, Sheriff; Maxine
Ripley, Chief Clerk of the Surrogate Court; Russ Oechsle, Executive Assistant,
Sixth Judicial District; Mary Benally, Contract Administrator, Sixth Judicial
District; Scott Abbott, Sheriff’s Department; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; Jeremy
Boylan, Cortland Standard
Absent: Tom Hartnett and John Steger
Mr. Dafoe called the meeting to order at 8:41 a.m.
Mr. Willcox moved adoption of the minutes of the January 10, 2006 meeting; seconded by Mr. Daniels. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTIONS:
None.
DISCUSSION/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Court Project – Mr. Schrader stated that in conjunction with moving the City Courts to the County Court House, many renovations are need in the Court House and he has been in contact with the Courts System regarding this. He added that the first step in the renovations would be to reestablish the main entrance back to the original historic entrance. He further added that this would include constructing a ramp, providing additional restrooms on the first floor and relocating the magnetometer. The approximate cost will be $185,000 for the ramp and renovations. Mr. Schrader additionally stated that the Courts System has approved this first step. Mr. Schrader stated that to move forward with this project the next step would be to put them out for bid. Mr. Tagliente asked where the ramp would be located. Mr. Parker stated that it would be located on the Central Avenue side of the Court House and he further discussed the design of the ramp. Mr. Schrader added that since the Court House is a historic building approval is needed from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Mr. Schrader asked the committee what they would like him to do, continue with Bell & Spina or move to send it out for a bid? Mr. Schrader went on to discuss security issues and concerns regarding the Court House. He added that ultimately a long term goal would be to move Department of Motor Vehicles out of the Court House. Mr. Tagliente asked how long this would take to complete. Mr. Schrader stated that it depends on how long it takes to gain approval from SHPO; it could take up to a year. Mr. Willcox asked how much it would cost. Mr. Schrader stated that Phase I would cost approximately $100,000, and total renovations would be about $3 million. Mr. Schrader stated that the Courts have the authority to dictate what we as a County do. He added that in this case we have a very amicable relationship with the Courts System, much better than his experience in other counties. He added that the State would pay 80% of the cost. Mr. Oechsle stated that the $100,000 was deemed logical for the first step. He added that this is a fundamental desire of the Courts and it is a priority project. Mr. Oechsle further stated that regardless of the City Courts moving to the Court House or not the element of this first step would be in place. He went on to state that the project should be substantially underway by March 1, 2006 in order to be reimbursed for it in September. He added that due to the status at this point, it may not be underway by that date. He explained to the committee that there was no guarantee that the funding will carry over in the budget for the next fiscal year, there is a good chance, but no guarantee and it may not. Mr. Oechsle distributed and discussed a handout entitled Court System Aid to Cortland County. Mr. Oechsle stated that there is a need to know which way this Committee and the Legislature want to proceed. He added that a money amount commitment could not be given for this project until a proposal has been received. He further added that this next fiscal year (beginning April 1, 2006) funding for renovations would be limited in the budget. He stated that if the Court has the commitment then they should move forward with it. Mr. Oechsle further added that as for his offices relationship with SHPO, it is pretty good in this area. He added that the SHPO must have a design of the renovations and of the outward appearance of the building. Mr. Schrader stated that he believes they will be supportive of this project but it all depends on the design. Mr. Willcox inquired about he necessity of the security. Mr. Schrader stated that it is because the Courts require it in New York State. Mr. Oechsle stated that the building was designed with a multi functional use but the security was not designed that way. He added that at the time the security went into the building it did work. He further discussed the need for adequate security in the building. Ms. Breed made a motion to move forward and continue with Bell & Spina on this project; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. All members voting in favor; none opposed; motion carried. Mr. Schrader further stated that the funds for this project have been budgeted for and are not coming out of the contingency and he would like to move forward quickly on this. Mr. Oechsle discussed proposals and submission of such proposals.
2. Court Building Security – Mr. Dafoe stated that this was covered in discussion item number 1.
3. Department Report – Mr. Parker discussed and reported ongoing and completed projects in Buildings and Grounds Department. He stated that the department is continuing working on rebuilding the boilers; they have been working on the water softening system in the County Office Building; and working in the Chairman’s Office. He added that the department has also been working on the lighting problem in Suite 301, Surrogate Court, in the Court House and further discussed the light problem. Mr. Dafoe inquired about the water problem in the Court House. Mr. Parker stated that they have been looking into solution regarding that. Mr. Parker further stated that they have been looking into repairs to the monument at the Court House. Mr. Smith informed the committee that he is currently working on some problem areas in the County Office Building in regards to hearing the alarm system. He added that he is also working on fixing the microphone problems in Chambers and looking into possibly recording meetings on DVD instead of VHS. Mr. Smith also stated that the department is looking into covering the handicap ramps at the County Office Building. Mr. Parker discussed the Davis/Ulmer pricing coming in for a lower amount and did not exceed the amount in the resolution that was passed in January 2006.
Mr. Willcox made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Daniels. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.