Budget and Finance Committee

January 17, 2006 at 7:30 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

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

 

Others Present:          Marilyn E. Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to Administration; Dennis Whitt, County Auditor; Donald Ferris, County Treasurer; Carolyn Kennedy, Deputy County Treasurer; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Jeremy Boylan, Cortland Standard

 

Mr. VanDee called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.

Mr. Tagliente moved adoption of the minutes of the December 2, 2005 and the December 8, 2005 meeting; seconded by Mr. Daniels.  All members voting in favor, none opposed, minutes approved as printed.

 

RESOLUTIONS:

 

Budget and Finance Committee Resolutions:

 

1.                  Authorize Agreement, Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels.  Chairman Brown requested a program performance from the Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau. All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

2.                  Authorize Agreement, Cortland County Chamber of Commerce -- Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels.  Mr. Schrader explained that the Chamber of Commerce has agreed to seek corporate sponsorship regarding the finding for fireworks display and they currently have raised approximately $7,500 towards that.  This will allow the Chamber of Commerce to make the downtown the focus.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

3.                  Authorize Agreement, Finger Lakes Library Association – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Willcox asked why there was an increase for Finger Lake Library Association this year as compared to last year.  Mr. Schrader explained that there is a formula which is based on the participants in the County and there financial situation has improved therefore funding was increased.  He added that they are working with community libraries to increase services.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

4.                  Authorize Payment, Tompkins Cortland Community College (Operating Budget 2005-2006) – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Schrader explained this was increased from last year and provided a brief history of the relationship and resolution pertaining to TC3.  Mr. Schrader further explained that the Cortland County enrollment has increased at TC3.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted. 

 

5.                  Amend 2005 Budget, Allocation of Wages and Appropriation of Reserve – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Clark.  Mr. Schrader explained that this is based upon the increase in wages after CSEA negotiations and the Management Comp plan being passed.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

6.                  Amend 2006 Budget, Allocating WagesMr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

7.                  Re-Appoint County Administrator – Mr. Tagliente moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy. 

 

Chairman Brown made a motion for the committee to go into Executive Session to discuss this issue, seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  All members voting in favor, none opposed; the committee went into Executive Session at 7:50 am.  The committee came out of Executive Session at 8:10 am. 

 

All members voting in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted as amended inserting a paragraph stating that the Cortland County Legislature shall evaluate the County Administrator annually and shall address his re-appointment six months prior to term expiration.   

 

Mr. Schrader explained to the Consent Agenda to the new Legislators. 

 

Mr. Willcox requested that Consent Agenda Item Numbers 9, 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 30, 31, 32, 36, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55 be removed and acted upon separately. 

 

The following agenda items were removed from the Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately; Consent Agenda Item Numbers 9, 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 30, 31, 32, 36, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55. 

 

CONSENT AGENDA:

Referred from Agriculture & Planning Committee:

8.                  Authorize Chairman to Sign Agreement, Planning Department (Cortland County and Central New York Regional Planning & Development)

 

9.                  Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

10.              Authorize Agreement (Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation District)

 

11.              Authorize Agreement (Cortland County Federation of Sportsmens’ Club)

 

12.              Authorize Agreement (S.P.C.A.)

 

13.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

14.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

15.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

Referred from Buildings & Grounds Committee: 

 

16.              Amend Agreement, Davis-Ulmer, Buildings & Grounds

 

17.              Amend Agreement, Penn Power Systems, Buildings & Grounds                      

 

18.              Amend Agreement, Water Treatment Boilers, Buildings & Grounds

 

19.              Amend Agreement, Schindler Elevator Corporation, Buildings & Grounds

 

20.              Amend Agreement, Simplex Grinnell LP/Fire Alarm Service, Buildings & Grounds

21.           Accept Bid/Authorize Agreement, Waste Management of New York, LLC, Buildings & Grounds

Referred from Health Committee:

 

22.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Nursing Division, Contracted Services

 

23.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

24.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Hospice, Program Services

 

25.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

26.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Hospice, Contractual Services

 

27.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Environmental Health, Hearing Officer Services

 

28.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Environmental Health, Veterinary Services

 

29.              Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health Department, Children With Special Needs Program, Local Department of Social Services

30.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

31.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

32.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

33.              Authorize Agreements, Health Department & Mental Health, SCHC Total Care, Inc.

34.              Amend Budget/Amend Agreement, Mental Health (Catholic Charities)

35.              Amend Agreement, Amend Budget, Mental Health (Family Support Services)

36.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

Referred from Highway Committee:

 

NONE

 

Referred from Judiciary & Public Safety Committee:

 

37.              Authorize Agreement, Sheriff’s Department/911 Center, Dialogic Communication Corporation

38.              Authorize Agreement, Probation Department, Electronic Monitoring, BI Incorporated

39.              Authorize Agreement, Probation Department/Drug Testing, Medlab, Inc.

40.              Authorize Agreement, Cortland County and Suit-Kote Corporation, Fire & Emergency Management

Referred from Human Services Committee:

 

41.              Authorize Application, Retired & Sr. Volunteer Program (Aging)              

 

42.              Authorize Agreement, Mental Retardation & Dev. Disabilities (Aging)

 

43.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

44.              Authorize Agreement, LTC Ombudsman (Aging)

 

45.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

46.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

47.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

48.              Authorize Agreement NYS Dept of Labor & Cortland County (E & T)

 

49.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

Referred from Personnel Committee:

 

50.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

51.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

52.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

53.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

54.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

55.              Removed from Consent Agenda to be acted upon separately

 

 

Mr. Troy made a motion to adopt the consent agenda, with the exception of above-mentioned items (Consent Agenda Item Numbers 9, 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 30, 31, 32, 36, 43, 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54 and 55) being removed; seconded by Mr. Clark.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; consent agenda adopted.

 

NON -CONSENT AGENDA:

Referred from Agriculture & Planning Committee:

9.         Authorize Agreement (Cornell Cooperative Extension)– Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox.  Mr. Willcox inquired about last year’s agreement.  Mr. Schrader explained briefly last year’s agreement.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

 

13.            Supporting an application for State Assistance Payments Under the New York State Bond Act to Purchase Development Rights on the Elinor Currie farm, Town of Preble, Cortland County; Cortland County Planning Department

 

14.            Supporting an application for State Assistance Payments Under the New York State Bond Act to Purchase Development Rights on the Douglas           Riehlman farm, Town of Preble, Cortland County; Cortland County Planning Department

 

15.            Supporting an application for State Assistance Payments Under the New York State Bond Act to Purchase Development Rights on the William and Jeanne Underwoood farm, Town of Preble; Cortland County; Cortland County Planning Department

 

Mr. Troy moved adoption of agenda items 13, 14 and 15; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Ross explained to the committee that these three resolutions went to Agriculture and Planning Committee as one resolution and were separated at the request of the committee members.  Mr. Willcox discussed money being paid to the individual parcels when the seller is doing their own evaluation.  He recommends that three evaluations be done.  He would like the evaluations done at the State level, County level and individual level.  Chairman Brown explained that individual contractors are hired to do the appraisals.  Mr. Willcox asked that a letter be written to the state, by the County Attorney, regarding this. All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

Referred from Health Committee:

 

23.       Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Children With Special Needs Program,

Contracts for Services – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Newell inquired about how the amount is assigned.  Mr. Clark explained that this is a state approved rate.   All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

25.       Authorize Agreements, Health Department, Hospice, Program Services – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Schrader explained that this allows us to contract with other Hospice Agencies for Hospice Patients while they are traveling.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

30.       Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health Department, Healthy Heart Program

Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. Mr. Willcox explained that he is questioning the accountability of this program.  The committee further discussed the effectiveness of the program and the program’s goals and objectives.  The committee further discussed that the within the Health Assessment the occurrence of the Heart Disease within the County has decreased.  Mr. VanDee, Mr. Troy, Mr. Clark, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Tagliente, voted in favor; Mr. Willcox was opposed; resolution adopted.

 

31.       Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds, Health Department, Public Preparedness and Response to Bio Terrorism – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox stated that he had the same concerns as he did with number 30, accountability.  Mr. Schrader explained to the committee that the state partially funds this program.  Mr. VanDee, Mr. Troy, Mr. Clark, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Tagliente, voted in favor; Mr. Willcox was opposed; resolution adopted.

32        Authorize Agreements for 2006 Health Department/Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health (Auditors, Ahlers, Interpreter and Consultants and/or Facilitators),  – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Whitt stated that these programs provide for an independent auditor, statute requires an independent auditor.  He added that a legally independent auditor must do the audit. Chairman Brown explained this further to the committee.  Mr. Whitt added that it is required to be done by outside personnel.  He further added that independent is the issue. All members in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted. 

36        Authorize Agreement, Renewal of Lease for Mental Health Dept. Offices – Mr. Ross moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.  Mr. Willcox inquired about who does the cleaning at the building and whether or not it was sent out for bid.  Mr. Schrader stated that Buildings and Grounds does the cleaning and it was sent out for bid.  The bid received back was very close to Buildings and Grounds, within in $100.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolution adopted.

Referred from Human Services Committee:

 

43.       Authorize Agreement, Legal Services (Aging) - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente. The committee members discussed the resolution not exceeding a certain amount.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

45.       Amend Budget, New York Works Grant (DSS) - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

46.       Authorize Agreement, Delinquency Prevention Program (Youth Bureau) - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox inquired about tutoring in High Schools and mentoring and accountability factor of these programs.  Mr. Schrader stated that he would need to ask the Youth Bureau for reports.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

47.       Authorize Agreement, Youth Development/Delinquency (Youth Bureau) - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox inquired about the same thing as in agenda number 46.  Mr. Schrader stated that he would try to get these reports by the next meeting.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

49.       Authorize Agreement B.G. Media, Inc. (E & T) - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox asked for an explanation of this resolution.  Mr. Schrader stated this is an annual contract for the maintenance of the Cortland Works Career Center website, he added that Information Technology Department does not have the staffing to maintain this website.  Mr. Schrader additionally stated that this maintenance agreement is with the firm who established the website.    All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted.

 

Referred from Personnel Committee:

 

50.              Authorize Agreement, Personnel/Civil Services, Several Agencies - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Clark.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted

 

51.              Authorize Agreement, Personnel/Civil Service, Interest Arbitration Proceedings, Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox inquired as to why we need this legal representation.  Mr. Schrader explained the changes in negotiations in the Sheriff’s Department.  He added that the County and himself have no experience in this type of negotiations.  Mr. Schrader additionally stated that this firm is one of two in New York State that has expertise in binding arbitration.  Mr. Willcox asked how much this would cost.  Mr. Schrader stated that it would depend on the negotiations.  Mr. Willcox stated that he has a problem voting for this if he does not know the amount it will cost.   Mr. Schrader stated that it could cost up to $30,000.  Mr. VanDee, Mr. Troy, Mr. Clark, Mr. Daniels, and Mr. Tagliente, voted in favor; Mr. Ross and Mr. Willcox were opposed; resolution adopted

52.              Authorize Increase in DMV Petty Cash, County Clerk’s Office - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted

53.              Create Temp/DMV Clerk, County Clerk’s Office - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.    All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted

 

54.              Authorize Agreement, Information Technology, Munis - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Schrader stated that the contract before us is for an annual contract not for training.  He added that we have improved to a large extent on the use of the software.  Mr. Schrader stated that there are still some issues relating to retraining because it is only used only once a year and people forget.  He added that we have a long way to go still.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted

 

55.              Authorize Procurement of Property and Casualty Insurance - Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Tagliente.  Mr. Willcox asked how we have arrived at these figures.  Mr. Schrader explained that it is based on the proposal received from the insurance company. He added that we are receiving the same insurance at the same cost but we are able to reduce some other factors.  Mr. Willcox further inquired about the commission charged by the insurance company.  Mr. Schrader stated that generally it is ten percent.  Mr. Willcox asked about obtaining bids.  Mr. Schrader explained that insurance companies are different and if we ask for bids on an annual basis from them we will flood the market.  All members in favor, none opposed; resolutions adopted

DISCUSSION/PRESENTATIONS/REPORTS:

 

1.         2005 Fourth Quarter Sales Tax Distribution (Don Ferris – Treasurer) – Mr. Daniels asked if this spreadsheet was done in MUNIS.  Ms. Kennedy and Mr. Ferris explained that it is done in Excel.  Mr. Daniels stated that he would like to see a running total.  Mr. Schrader stated that the numbers are due from the State today.  Mr. Schrader further stated that we should be close to what we budgeted for.  Mr. Daniels asked how the share of sales tax is distributed.  Mr. Schrader discussed the distribution of the sales tax.    

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:46 am.

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