Agriculture/Planning/Environmental Committee
May 11, 2006 - 7:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Danny Ross, Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, Vice Chairman; John Steger, John Troy and Carol Tytler
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Dan Dineen, Director of Planning Department; Jeremy Boylan, Cortland Standard
Absent: Kay Breed and Tom Hartnett
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m.
Mr. Troy moved
adoption of the minutes of the April 4, 2006 meeting; seconded by Ms. Tytler. All
members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
1.
Declare Negative Declaration of Environmental Impact under State
Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) for Cortland County Snowmobile Trails
Authorize the Chairman of the Legislature to sign the SEQR Form
– Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler. Mr. Dineen explained to the Committee that the County is
required to review the trails annually to assess any environmental impact the
trail may have had. Mr. Ross
brought up the damage that has been done to the roads where the snowmobiles
cross them. Chairman Brown
inquired about the how extensive the review of the trails is.
Mr. Dineen explained that the individual property owners notify him of
any damage that has been done, he added that the trails cover miles and are
pretty extensive. Mr. Van Donsel
requested that a set of minutes from the Planning Board be included with these
meeting minutes. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
2.
Authorize Agreements Planning
Department Cortland County and Cortland County Snowmobile Clubs – Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler. Mr. Dineen explained that there are nine clubs and the County
has an agreement with each club which takes the liability away from the
County. He further discussed that
that the County retains 7% of the funding for administrative expenses.
Chairman Brown discussed the pictures that were distributed during the
Highway Committee meeting showing the damage that has been done to roads where
the snowmobiles have crossed them. Mr.
Ross additionally explained that the highway Department is working on
obtaining an estimate for the damage that has been done.
Ms. Tytler inquired about seeing if there is anything that can be done
on a more permanent basis to fix the snowmobile crossing areas so that there
is not as extensive damage in the future.
Mr. Steger and Mr. Ross explained that it is the tracks on the
snowmobiles that are doing the damage. Mr.
Ross inquired as to how much money the 7% administrative fee totals.
Mr. Dineen explained that it is about $9,000. Mr. Ross expressed that this amount will not cover the cost
of repairs to the roads. Ms.
Tytler further inquired about neighboring counties not charging the
administrative fees. Mr. Dineen
explained that he is aware of some of the counties currently charging the fee
and further discussed in the past some did not.
Ms. Tytler cautioned the committee as to the message that has been sent
out to the clubs regarding the 7% fee being given to them if they do the
administrative work themselves. Ms.
Tytler further inquired about the marketing of the trails as a tourism
campaign. Mr. Ross explained that
all the clubs need to work together regarding this and as of yet he has not
been able to have them do this. Ms.
Tytler discussed that there is funding available through tourism if they could
work together on this. Mr. Ross
explained that he has tried to organize an event with the clubs but has been
unsuccessful. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
3.
Authorize Grant Application Planning Department (Cortland County Snowmobile
Trail Development and Maintenance) – Mr. Troy moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr.
Dineen explained that this is done on an annual basis to apply for grants, he
further added that in the past the funding has totaled approximately $120,000
to $130,000. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1.
Planning Sub-Committee
– Ms. Tytler discussed that at the last Sub-Committee meeting Barry Toma
attended to discuss the Community Grant Block funding and it looks good to
work with the City or apply separately for grants regarding creek bed
stabilization or as a public works project.
She went on to explain that at the next meeting Ms. Barber, Cortland
County Soil & Water Conservation, will be bring a representative from the
DEC to discuss variables that need to be in place to apply for the funding and
they will also look at Flooding Hot Spots.
Ms. Tyler further discussed that in order to apply for the Community
Block Grant 51% of residents need to be of lower income.
Ms. Tytler also explained that Chris Bistocchi, City of Cortland Public
Works, and Don Chambers, County Superintendent of Highways, are looking into
areas with multiple variables regarding flooding.
Ms. Tytler explained that Ms. Barber is also looking into funding for
areas not in the lower income bracket. She
expressed that she has received calls offering assistance in ensuring all
homeowners in an area are on board with projects.
Ms. Tytler expressed that she is very encouraged to find that there may
be funding available for these projects.