Approved
Minutes
December
6, 2007
6:00 PM
Meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by Chairman Brown, followed by the Salute to the Flag.
The Clerk took Roll Call with all members recorded as present.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
No one signed up for Privilege of the Floor
RECEIVE AND FILE REPORTS OF STANDING, SPECIAL AND ADHOC COMMITTEES
Ms. Tytler, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee thanked the Committee for all their time and effort to present their recommendation to the Legislature. She said that we have received prices on two pieces of property that should be discussed in executive session. She said that a straw poll taken at their last meeting indicated that there were 10 legislators in favor of recommending the property adjacent to the BOCES site.
On motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Armstrong and all members voting aye except Ms. Breed, Mr. Willcox and Mr. Ross voting nay, the legislature moved into executive session at 6:04 pm to discuss purchase prices of proposed properties. Legislator-elects, the County Clerk and Clerk of the Legislature were asked to participate.
Meeting reconvened at 6:14 PM.
Ms. Tytler asked if we are ready to move forward with a resolution to select a property. Ms. Tytler made a motion to direct Mr. Schrader to submit a resolution to buy the Armedio property and submit it for December session. Second was made by Mr. Troy. All members voted aye except Ms. Breed, Mr. Willcox and Mr. Williams voting nay. Motion carried.
Mr. Willcox asked if we can come back with a lease number also. Mr. Schrader responded that we can. Chairman Brown suggested that two resolutions be considered.
Mr. Cornell made a motion to direct Mr. Schrader to submit a resolution to lease the Armedio property and submit it for December session. Second was made by Mr. Willcox. Mr. Tagliente asked if we lease does the money come from our budget. Chairman Brown said it will have to come from the General Fund. Ms. Price said she assumed that we would have an opportunity to make that choice as a group based upon our previous resolution. Chairman Brown said that we need prices before we make that decision. Ms. Breed said she would like a firmer cost estimate on the building also. Mr. Willcox asked if we lease does the tobacco money go back to be put toward the jail project. Mr. Schrader said yes. All members voted aye except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Troy, Mr. Spaulding, Mr. Steger, Mr. Tagliente, Ms. Tytler, Ms. Brown voting nay. Due to confusion with the vote, the Chairman asked for another vote resulting in all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Spaulding, Mr. Tagliente, Mr. Steger and Ms. Brown voting nay. Motion carried.
On motion of Mr. Dafoe, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 1 was introduced. Mr.
Dafoe requested that Russell Oechle, Executive Assistant of the Unified Court
System speak to legislators regarding the time sensitive Courthouse Renovation
project and be available to answer any questions. Mr. Oechle said that this is
Phase 2 of a 3 Phase project that has been going on for over 5 years,
involving moving Motor Vehicles to carry out the plan. Due to increase in
staff and caseloads with the Courts since the last project was done in 1980
this required looking at Probation, County Clerk, the DA office and the Court
space as well. The 1st phase involved moving security to the first
floor and moving the Supreme Court library. He said it is the County’s
responsibility to provide space for the Courts and the costs are reimbursed by
the State with the exception of HVAC costs reimbursed at 25%. This phase is
time sensitive due to delays in the project due to unforeseen circumstances
and the State’s fiscal year ending in March. The requirement is that the
project has to be substantially completed. Phase 1 had delays and we were able
to certify that and Phase 2 can be if we can prove that we are up and running
by January 1. Mr. Willcox asked how much we have set aside for this project.
Mr. Schrader said that $957,000 has been set aside for courthouse renovation
estimated revenues are $600,000 leaving our share of $350,000 funded in the
2008 budget. Mr. Troy clarified that DMV must vacate to complete the project.
Mr. Oechle agreed saying that move is imperative. He added that that the State
generates the money from a dedicated surcharge fund that is running out. Mr.
Willcox asked why we do not stretch our funding over a longer period of time.
Mr. Schrader answered that in order to receive reimbursement we cannot fund
this through capital dollars, it has to be a general fund obligation. Adopted
by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 1 became Resolution No. 370-07 Award Bids Multiple Bid Package Courthouse
Renovations.
On motion of Mr. Dafoe, second by Mr. Clark Agenda No. 2 was introduced. Ms. Breed said her concern was that again no RFP was requested and that there was no cap included in the resolution. She was advised that the joint meeting held at 4:30 amended the proposed resolution to state, “not to exceed $20,000”. Ms. Breed asked why the cap was set at $20,000 when the last study cost $39,000. Chairman Brown said it was because they wouldn’t be starting from scratch due to the previous studies. Mr. Willcox stated he wouldn’t be supporting this due to his lack of confidence in the last study done on the jail that were too long coming and had disappointing content. Adopted by all members voting aye except Ms. Breed, Mr. Willcox and Mr. Williams voting nay Agenda No. 2 became Resolution No. 371-07 Authorize Specialized Services Agreement County Office Building with the amendment made in General Services/Budget Finance Joint meeting
The Clerk reported that the Budget and Finance/City meeting scheduled for 7 PM has been rescheduled for Monday, December 10, 2007 at 1 PM in Room 304.
Meeting adjourned at 6:35 PM.
Minutes prepared by: Susan Morgan, Clerk