Present: Dan Tagliente, Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, John Daniels, Tom Hartnett, John Steger, Newell Willcox

Others present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Sandy Price, Legislator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Susan Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature; Dennis Whitt, County Auditor; Tom Huttleston, Safety Office; Donald Chambers, Superintendent of Highways; Dave Hicks, Deputy Superintendent of Highways; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; Jeremy Boylan, Cortland Standard

Absent: Steve Dafoe

Chairman Brown called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.

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

RESOLUTIONS:

1. Authorize Contract-Town of Cincinnatus-Snow & Ice Agreement – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Committee members discussed this being the same as has been done in the past years. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

2. Authorize Contract-Town of Taylor-Snow & Ice Agreement – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

3. Authorize Contract-Town of Homer-Snow & Ice Agreement – Mr. Daniels moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

4. Award Bid -Highway Equipment-Rubber Tire Excavator – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox. Mr. Chambers discussed that he had spoken with Mr. Tagliente regarding this and Mr. Tagliente had requested that the Highway Department look into a different piece of equipment. Mr. Willcox inquired about including the cost of repair/replacement parts in the bids and contracts. He would like to see fixed pricing of parts on bids in the future. Mr. Tagliente arrived during the discussion of this agenda item. Mr. Steger inquired about delivery time. Mr. Chambers stated that there is limited competition in regards to this piece of equipment and further stated that if this is tabled there is a possibility that it could be lost. Mr. Tagliente discussed that he would like to see Mr. Chambers and Mr. Hicks look into a different piece of equipment. Mr. Chambers discussed that both pieces of equipment have advantages and disadvantages. Mr. Tagliente added that there is a large difference in price. He went on to discuss briefly the specifics regarding the two pieces of machinery. The other brand of equipment that Mr. Tagliente was referring to was a Volvo. Mr. Hicks discussed that he will look into who has them and some further research later today. Mr. Steger inquired about delivery. The committee discussed passing this resolution and if the Highway Department find that the other piece of equipment is a better choice for the County then this resolution can be pulled. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

5. Award Bid -Highway Equipment-Self Propelled Force Feeder Loader – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels. Mr. Chambers stated that he set aside $160,000 for this purchase. Mr. Willcox questioned why there was only one bid received. Committee members discussed reasons why only one bid was received. Mr. Chambers and Mr. Hicks further discussed protected territories. Mr. Chambers discussed that this piece of equipment is used when trimming shoulders of roads; he added that work can be done in one lane and the entire road does not need to be closed. Mr. Armstrong inquired about state bids and Mr. Chambers stated that this equipment was not on state bids. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

6. Award Bid -Highway Equipment-Hydraulic Detachable Gooseneck Trailer – Mr. Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Tagliente stated that he had looked them all over and they all were good. Mr. Chambers stated that the prices were all within the bounds of the money that was budgeted to purchase this piece of equipment. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

7. Award Bid -Highway Equipment-Track Excavator & Off Road Articulating Dump Truck – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers stated that bid number two and three were being removed because they did not meet the required specifications. Committee members discussed the required specifications. Mr. Chambers discussed that this machinery will better serve the needs at the Landfill and the Highway Department. Mr. Chambers recommended purchasing the first piece of equipment on the list. Mr. Tagliente added that he had gone over the bids yesterday with Mr. Chambers and he agreed that the first one was the best deal for the money. Mr. Tagliente informed the committee members and other present of an Equipment Expo held in Las Vegas that would be beneficial for Mr. Chambers to attend and recommended that he look into it. Mr. Tagliente discussed that the Moxy, the first bid, is not the top of the line but the reports that he has seen on it are good. He added that the Cat at $254,802 is probably a better deal and the Volvo at $276,087 is likely the best choice. Mr. Tagliente stated that for the money the County has to spend he believes that we are getting a great deal. Mr. Chambers stated that he felt the County was getting a lot of equipment for $180,000. Mr. Tagliente discussed the bid sheet and further stated that Hyundai only has one parts distributor in the country. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

8. Transfer Funds-East River Road Bridge Project – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Chambers discussed that this was for the East River Road Bridge that was lost last year due to flooding in April. He added that they have been working on it. Mr. Willcox inquired about professional services. Mr. Chambers explained that it would be for testing and not for anything being done in house. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

9. Authorize Tip Fee-Landfill – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers stated that he is always looking for ways to cut costs and increase revenue. Mr. Chambers discussed the use of ash at the Landfill and stated that he had contacted a company regarding this. He further discussed not needing the DEC permit and that he has also been corresponding with the DEC. He further discussed that this could generate $100,000 year in revenue and could decrease the costs at the landfill. Delivery of the ash will be on a daily basis and will b used daily as cover and will decrease the mining for stone and shale done at the Landfill. Mr. Chambers did state that some stone and shale would still be needed. Mr. Willcox inquired about the shredding of rubber tires and asked about the status of that. Mr. Chambers stated that he was still looking into that. Mr. Willcox asked Mr. Chambers what he would rather use, the shredded rubber tires or the ash? Mr. Chambers stated that he would like to use both, but at the present time the ash is easier. Committee members discussed the shredding of tires eliminating a tire problem within the County. Mr. Tagliente stated that he would like to compliment Mr. Chambers on the work he has done regarding this. All members voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.

DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:

Mr. Chambers informed the committee that he had received a letter from the current hauler of leach aide and that they were resigning in 30 days. He added that there is a clause in the contract providing for a thirty-day notice. Mr. Chambers stated that there would not be a hauler at he end of the month. Mr. Chambers discussed having Mr. Hicks obtain quotes for the purchase of a tanker and the need for a DEC permit. He stated that then the County would be able to haul leach aide when needed. Mr. Willcox inquired about going out for bids. Mr. Chambers discussed that they could still go out for bids and use the tanker as a stand by because they have had problems in the past having this stuff hauled and he further discussed that this would allow him to have more control over having it moved and moved quicker. Mr. Tagliente stated that he and Mr. Chambers have discussed this and they would like to try it and not wait because if they wait in another month with the snow melting, etc a real big problem can exist. Mr. Tagliente stated that he would not like to see the Landfill in that situation. Mr. Tagliente stated that the committee should authorize Mr. Chambers to get the tanker. Mr. Chambers feels that he can obtain a hauling permit within a week. Mr. Willcox inquired and discussed what is involved besides buying a tanker. Mr. Tagliente stated that at a later date the County could go out for a bid. Mr. Daniels made a motion to allow for the purchase of a tanker to be used in the hauling of leach aide and to apply for the permit to hauler leach aide; seconded by Mr. Armstrong. All members present voting in favor, none opposed, motion carried.

1. Purchase of Highway Equipment from NYS Bid – Mr. Chambers discussed the purchase of the Highway Equipment from New York State Bid and further discussed that all prices were with budgeted amounts. Mr. Daniels made a motion to authorize the Cortland County Highway Department to purchase One-ton Crew Cab Pickup for $18, 500, a Stake Rack One-ton Truck for $20, 500 a Tractor Sweeper for $37,000 and two (2) Payloaders for $165,000 each; seconded by Mr. Willcox. All members voting in favor; none opposed; motion carried.

Mr. Steger inquired about the start date for construction of the Tioughnioga River Trail. Mr. Chambers explained that design will begin this year but not construction and he further added that there is still real estate to procure. Mr. Chambers further explained that construction will likely not begin until mid to late 2007 and added that no in-house construction will be done with regards to the Tioughnioga River Trail. Mr. Tagliente discussed concerns and the possibility of construction of a crossing on the trail where it crosses Route 13 to be under the bridge.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 am.