Highway/Solid Waste/Airport Committee
October 10, 2006 - 7:30 am
Present: Dan Tagliente, Chairman; Steve Dafoe, Vice-Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, John Daniels, Tom Hartnett and Newell Willcox
Others present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Donald Chambers, Superintendent of Highways; Bob Buerkle, Deputy Superintendent of Highways; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Corey Preston, Cortland Standard
Absent: John Steger
Mr. Tagliente called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Mr. Dafoe moved adoption of the minutes of the September 12, 2006 meeting; seconded by Mr. Hartnett. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTIONS:
Highway
1.
Amend Budget/Transfer Funds – Mr. Dafoe moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Hartnett. Mr.
Chambers explained that this resolution deals with the fuel account and the
transfer is needed due to the unanticipated high cost of fuel this year.
He added that the fuel is utilized by all County operations, as well
as, operations by the City of Cortland Fire, Police and DPW.
Mr. Chambers added that the transfer is for $160,000.
Mr. Chambers further discussed that the County pays less than $2.00 per
gallon and there is no tax on the fuel for the County.
He added that the County received a cheaper price when they went out
for bid that the State bid price. Committee
members discussed the amount of fuel the County purchases and the price of
fuel last year at this time. Mr.
Chambers discussed that the price of fuel has been significantly higher
throughout 2006. Mr. Tagliente inquired about the amount that will be
recovered from selling fuel to the City of Cortland.
Mr. Chambers explained that approximately $35,000 to $40,000 and added
that the county receives delivery of fuel about twice a month.
Mr. Chambers explained that all County Departments and Emergency
Services utilize the fuel. Committee members discussed other departments coming before
their perspective committees and asking for an adjustment in their budget for
the increased costs of fuel. Mr.
Chambers explained that the Highway Department must first purchase the fuel
and then, as it is used by other departments they will be billed accordingly.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
2.
Transfer Funds – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded
by Mr. Hartnett. Mr. Chambers
explained that there was a problem with the leachate line at the west side
extension of the Landfill; a line was plugged.
He added that the line is flowing at this time but he would like to
utilize the contractor that is onsite working to cap another portion of the
Landfill to repair this problem on a permanent basis.
Mr. Chambers explained that this contractor is very reputable and he
recommends that they be utilized to do the work.
Committee members discussed the work that needs to be completed.
Mr. Tagliente expressed that it would likely cost more to have this
contractor come back at a later date to complete the work.
Mr. Daniels clarified that the resolution is not asking for additional
money, the money is being transferred from another area in this department’s
budget. Mr. Chambers confirmed
that. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
Recycling
3.
Amend Budget/Transfer Funds – Mr. Daniels moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr.
Chambers briefly discussed the door to the recycling center being damaged this
past spring. He explained that the door has been repaired and funds were
taken from other areas in his budget to pay for it.
Mr. Chambers explained that the County has received an insurance check
with the help from the County Attorney’s Office. He further discussed that he would like to replace
those funds that were used to repair the door.
Committee members inquired as to how much it cost to repair the door.
Mr. Chambers explained that it cost between $6,000 and $7,000.
All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
DISCUSSIONS/PRESENTATIONS:
1. Sharing of Equipment with Adjacent Counties – Mr. Chambers explained that Cayuga County has a rail post drive and Cortland County does not. He explained that he would like to borrow it and in return they would like to borrow Cortland County’s shoulder widening machine. Mr. Chambers explained that in the past when that has been done the machinery has been sent with an operator as to avoid any miscommunications and assure the proper use of the machinery. Mr. Tagliente explained that this is done frequently in the construction business. Mr. Chambers further explained that this saves on purchasing equipment that would only be utilized a few times a year. The consensus of the Committee members was to approve the sharing of Highway Department equipment with adjacent counties.
2. Cortland County Airport/Land Lease – Mr. Buerkle explained to the Committee that he had been approached by an individual who was interested in leasing land to build a hangar that he would eventually rent out. He discussed that the individual is seeking a thirty year lease and added that the reason for a thirty year lease is that the individual is seeking thirty to forty year financing. Mr. Buerkle explained that he would not recommend that this be done on such a long term lease because it would tie up the land for a long period of time. He added that all other leases at the airport are for a maximum of five years. Mr. Buerkle added that he is looking for the comments of the Committee regarding this. Mr. Willcox asked for the County Attorney’s input on this. Mr. Van Donsel explained that such a lease is too long. Chairman Brown inquired about what is the advantage for Cortland County to do this. Mr. Buerkle explained that the County would end up losing revenue in regards to the renting of hangar space and briefly discussed the FAA recommendations. Mr. Tagliente inquired about what other counties are doing in regards to this. Mr. Buerkle explained that they also feel the length of the lease is too long. Mr. Willcox inquired about the size of the hangar being built. Mr. Chambers explained that it would have 6 or 7 hangars. Mr. Buerkle discussed complications regarding the length of the lease. Mr. Van Donsel explained that provisions can be put in the lease but both parties need to agree to those provisions. Mr. Buerkle explained that the individual is interested in a thirty-year lease. Mr. Daniels explained that the committee does not know what the future will hold for this space. Mr. Armstrong suggested that the individual make a presentation at the next meeting. Mr. Hartnett discussed the growth of the new T-Hangars that the County is building. Mr. Tagliente asked Committee members to vote to consider approving a thirty years lease of land at the County Airport. Mr. Tagliente, Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Daniels, Mr. Hartnett and Mr. Willcox were opposed. Mr. Willcox discussed that he did not have enough information but was opposed to a thirty-year lease of land at the Airport.
3. Delinquent Accounts/Landfill – Mr. Chambers explained that he did not have an up-to-date list because of personnel at the Landfill being on vacation but would provide one at the next meeting.
Mr. Willcox made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Daniels. Mr. Tagliente adjourned the meeting at 7:50 a.m.