AD HOC COMMITTEE MEETING

DRAFT MINUTES Released 9/27/07

Executive Session

August 28, 2007

Room 304

Members Present: Carol Tytler: Chairman, John Steger, Larry Cornell, Mike McKee, and John Daniels.

Others Present: Don Spaulding, Legislator, John Troy, Legislator, Danny Ross, Legislator, Scott Schrader, County Administrator, Brian Parker, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Elizabeth Larkin, County Clerk, Susan Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature.

Chairman Tytler distributed draft notebooks outlining the Committees activities that included background information and a power point presentation for the committee to review to add / delete or make comment on the final version that is to be presented to the full legislature. Draft power point narrative is amended to the minutes.

Ms. Tytler thanked Brian Parker and Angie Wyatt for their help in putting together the packets. As Ms. Tytler proceeded though the narrative she asked Ms. Larkin for the specific transactions that we receive a percentage on. Ms Larkin answered all transactions with the exception of fines related to the Driver Responsibility Act, handling of bad checks and renewals requiring eye testing. Ms. Tytler discussed background information regarding Local Law #3 that established the user fee. Ms. Larkin indicated that she has Judy Riehlman’s proposal to the Personnel Committee as added information. Ms. Tytler asked for input on questions that might be posed regarding using the Jail for DMV. The answers are that it does not meet the committee goals in terms of parking and traffic. Mr. Schrader added the cost to retrofit the jail for DMV as a factor also. Regarding questions aimed at utilizing the South Main Street property the answers would be that we do not own that property. Even if we did own the property that site does not meet the location and traffic goals. In addition, the property is too large for the project.

Ms. Tytler requested the number of full time employees in DMV from Ms. Larkin. She replied 8 ½.

The Chairman said she intends to take new pictures of the properties as the ones in the packet are from Real Property. Property A, MVE Homes has additional information provided by Dave Yaman and the committee was given a new page with new information on that proposal. It is actually 8 parcels. The property and school taxes have been added. They are offering the parcel marked with the red triangle for $300,000. The primary entrance will be on 281. We have received information from Environmental Health that there was a 3,000 tank removed. They received no samples so we will need more detail on that before moving forward. None of the property is in the flood plain. Mr. Cornell raised the question of access to Route 13. Mr. McKee said no one would have to cross traffic to enter or leave if we had that access. Mr. Parker said there is a parcel that with a culvert addition could access Route 13. Ms. Tytler asked if we should work out the details of what parcels we want before we go to the legislature or as part of their option. The consensus was to do this prior in order to determine cost. Mr. Parker reminded the committee that whatever is purchased, some will be lost due to the widening of 281. It was agreed to work out the details of the culvert, the last piece of the property and determine taxes prior to presenting this to the Legislature.

Property B, the BOCES - Armedio property has 3 options. In the grassy knoll area Mr. Armedio is in the process of acquiring property next to it to attain the square footage desired. That will face River Street. The second option, the portion that facing Port Watson has concerns by Mr. Armedio of infringement on the BOCES parking edge. The third option is in the flood plain. Mr. Schrader was asked if we presently have any buildings in the flood plains and do we carry flood insurance. He answered no to both questions. Mr. Schrader was concerned with residential reaction similar to the South Main Street project. Mr. Daniels said that it is a very different mind set.

Property C, the former Cayuga Medical Center, represented by Hage Real Estate has an adaptable building larger than we need although the extra space could be used as record storage. It is owned by the Beebes and would require another parcel owned by Dr. Ambrose to accommodate adequate parking. There is another interested party in that property so it is possible to lose that option. The biggest problem with the site is access to 281 without a traffic light. Brian and Don Chambers did look at the feasibility of building an access road to the Madison Street traffic light and estimated that it would cost $600,000. The property tax information is skewed due to exemptions on the property, so they would be higher. It was suggested to contact DOT to see if they are planning any traffic lights in that area.

Property D, Cleveland Street is owned by 7 Valley Real Estate and offered at $700,000. They have offered to carve out an acre. Ms. Tytler said it wasn’t large enough and the committee wanted frontage on River Street. We want the whole parcel for a lower price. The eminent domain process was discussed but Ms. Tytler said she prefers negotiating a fair price. The Hampton Inn bought their parcel for $360,000. The property is still being negotiated and they are now asking us to make an offer. Mr. Schrader said he talked to Mr. Terwilliger about squaring off the property and eliminating the Cleveland property which would amount to about an acre and 1/3. He did that because Mr. Terwilliger had said he would access from River Street and square off the property along Cleveland Street for $200,000. He said he reversed the proposal and has not received a response. He said if we want the whole property we could probably have it for between $400 and $450,000. The committee discussed other issues including nearby residential homes and decided to continue negotiations on that site.

Property E, Carl Ochs property submitted by Mr. Willcox, raised serious concerns with contaminates. The parcel number is needed to verify the proximity to the plume area. The committee by consensus decided to remove this as an option. Ms. Tytler will talk to Mr. Willcox and if he wants it to remain it will be without the committee’s endorsement.

Ms. Tytler continued that the lease vs. buy issue be presented by Mr. Schrader. She also said she had received a letter from the County Attorney that he would be unable to represent the County in negotiations on some properties due to his relationship with Mr. Armedio and a client. He will identify an attorney to work with Mr. Schrader, Mr. Parker and the committee to negotiate the preferred options.

Ms. Tytler recommended that we lock in our options for 6-12 months to allow us to move forward, have State DMV review the sites and make recommendations, then schedule presentations that may drive our direction toward final selection. Mr. Cornell suggested that a presentation be made to the CCTVS meeting.  The final selection will be made by the full legislature. Ms. Tytler’s goal is that this be completed by the current legislature and have it done by the end of this year.

Executive session ended at 9:00 AM.

Minutes Released September 27, 2007

Minutes prepared by Susan Morgan, Clerk

Minutes prepared by: Susan Morgan, Clerk

  BACK