DRAFT MINUTES
Committee Present: Dan Tagliente, Chairman; Steve Dafoe, Vice Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, Tom Hartnett, John Steger, Newell Willcox John Daniels: Absent
Others Present: Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Marilyn Brown, Legislative Chairman; Angie Wyatt, Secretary to County Administrator; Don Chambers, Highway Superintendent; Dennis Whitt, County Auditor; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC Radio; Corey Preston, Cortland Standard; Kevin Mack, Airport Area Resident; Julian Wright, Airport Area Resident
The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Dan Tagliente at 7:30a.m.
MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCROBER 10, 2006 MEETING MADE BY MERWIN ARMSTRONG 2ND BY DAN TAGLIENTE ALL VOTED IN FAVOR PASSED
RESOLUTIONS
Highway
Discussion: These are funds from New York State to repair Cold Brook, Kellogg and Steger Roads This would improve the road conditions and are listed as revenue in the 2007 Budget. Newell Willcox asked how much has been spent so far on Cold Brook Road. Don Chambers indicated that $300,000 had already been spent and that depending on the weather, it would be done tomorrow.
Discussion: This is to share equipment and personnel for highway maintenance and construction with Cayuga County. It would increase efficiency and save tax dollars for both counties. It is a good idea and is working well.
Discussion: This is to extend the existing landfill-capping contract to repair damage that was done by the flood. If the repairs are not made soon, the landfill will not be able to operate. This repair will be funded from FEMA funds.
Discussion: None
Discussion: Additional sorting personnel are needed due to the increased flow from the City of Cortland.
DISCUSSION:
Survey Project/Airport: Kevin Mack and Julian Wright, residents of the Cortland County Airport area addressed the Committee with concerns regarding a survey project being conducted by the C & S Engineering firm at the Airport. The survey is a FAA requirement to determine obstructions in the flight path. A lot of residents do not want the Engineering firms personnel on their properties. Dr. Mack asked why all of this was not done before the Master Plan was released. When the Master Plan was being drafted, no official minutes were kept and no dialog with Airport area residents was requested and now they want to come on peoples properties to conduct a survey. Dr. Mack further asked why the County keeps putting money into a recreational facility and wanting to chop down area residents trees, which keep the area beautiful as a residential area and also provide a buffer between the homes and the Airport. Mr. Wright interjected that the barbwire fence that was put up is a disgrace maybe a regular fence would have been more appropriate. Dr. Mack also indicated that the flight area is all residential area and asked that options be explored. Scott Schrader indicated that the County cannot give options if the Engineering firm cant get on the property to conduct the survey. Newell Willcox and other members of the Committee commented that the County Airport was there long before it became a residential area. Newell Willcox asked how much the Airport Master Plan cost the County. Don Chambers did not have that figure but will get back to the Committee with that figure.
Delinquent Accounts at the Landfill:
Don Chambers provided a list and the status of delinquent
accounts at the Landfill and the Committee discussed them briefly.
Discussion/Action
Items Not On The Agenda:
Purchase of 4 Plow Trucks (Highway) / Tractor (Landfill) : Don Chambers asked for Committee approval to purchase 4 Plow Trucks of which are listed as expenses in the 2007 tentative budget. This Committee approval would be contingent upon the 2007 County Budget passing. Don explained that the new vehicles that are coming out in 2007 will have major changes in the emissions regulation/requirements. The new vehicles would cost more for maintenance and the Highway department would rather not deal with anticipated bugs that these new vehicles would have. Don also would like to purchase a Tractor for the Landfill that is in the 2007 tentative budget. Scott Schrader advised the Committee that since it is already in the budget, it only needs Committee action a resolution is not needed. Marilyn Brown stated that she would like a resolution to go to the full Legislature.
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION TO BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE 4 PLOW TRUCKS, CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF THE 2007 COUNTY BUDGET MADE BY MERWIN ARMSTRONG 2ND BY JOHN STEGER DAN TAGLIENTE, STEVE DAFOE, MERWIN ARMSTRONG, TOM HARTNETT & JOHN STEGER VOTING YES NEWELL WILLCOX VOTING NO MOTION PASSES: A RESOLUTION WILL BE PREPARED TO GO TO THE FULL LEGISLATURE TO PURCHASE 4 PLOW TRUCKS, CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF THE 2007 COUNTY BUDGET (Resolution hereto attached)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION TO BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE A TRACTOR FOR THE LANDFILL, CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF THE 2007 COUNTY BUDGET MADE BY MERWIN ARMSTRONG 2ND BY TOM HARTNETT DAN TAGLIENTE, STEVE DAFOE, MERWIN ARMSTRONG, TOM HARTNETT & JOHN STEGER VOTING YES NEWELL WILLCOX VOTING NO MOTION PASSES: A RESOLUTION WILL BE PREPARED TO GO TO THE FULL LEGISLATURE TO PURCHASE A TRACTOR FOR THE LANDFILL, CONTINGENT UPON THE PASSAGE OF THE 2007 COUNTY BUDGET (Resolution hereto attached)
Other Comments/Remarks:
Don Chambers advised the Committee that the Cortland County Highway Department has been selected by the Central New York Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) to receive a 2006 Transportation Project of the Year award for the Reconstruction of Main Street/Page Green Road Project. The award will be presented at the Branchs Annual Fall Banquet on November 17, 2006 in East Syracuse.
All Highway Committee members, Marilyn Brown & Scott Schrader complimented Don Chambers and the Highway Department staff on receiving this great honor. Newell Willcox commented that he is proud of the way Page Green Road looks.
Merwin Armstrong: Thanked Don Chambers and the Highway Department for the completion of the work on the East River Road bridge.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:20a.m.
Minutes prepared by Angie Wyatt, Secretary to Scott Schrader.