Approved
Minutes of Legislative Session: February 22, 2007 - 6 PM Meeting
Meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by Chairman Brown, followed by the Salute to the Flag.
The Clerk took Roll Call with all members recorded as present.
The minutes of January 25, 2007 Legislative Meeting were unanimously approved.
No one signed in to speak for Privilege of the Floor.
PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
The Clerk read a Proclamation declaring March 20, 2007 as Agriculture Day in Cortland County. Chairman Brown said that there was an Ag Day at the Holiday Inn today with workshops concerning Agricultural Economic Conditions. With Agriculture being the heritage of Cortland County this Proclamation is fitting to honor all who contribute to this industry. Syd McEvoy received the Proclamation and thanked the Chairman, Ms. Price, Mr. Williams, Mr. Ross for attending today. An invitation to all legislators to attend the March 20th luncheon at the Grange with Cathy Bertini to be the featured speaker was given.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND NOTICES
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Cornell, the following were received and filed:
Ø 2006 Annual Report - Cortland County Board of Elections
Ø 2006 Annual Report – Department of Weights & Measures
Ø Cortland County Needs Assessment – Jail Study
Ø Minority Report
Ø Bond Rating Report – Budget and Finance
Mr. VanDee stated that our A+ Bond rating will save the County a lot of money. Chairman Brown commended the Treasurer, County Administrator and Auditor for their efforts to attain this rating.
The Clerk announced that Agenda No. 34 is a duplication of No. 33 and that agendas are following the format of the Revised Rules of Order. Chairman Brown added that the asterisk notations are resolutions that are not required to go before Budget and Finance Committee; they come directly from their respective Committee.
RESOLUTIONS
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 1 became: Resolution No. 32-07 Appoint Member Cortland
County Board of Health.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. Williams and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 2 became: Resolution No. 33-07 Re-Appoint
Member Cortland County Youth Board.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. Williams and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 3 became: Resolution No. 34-07 Reappoint Members Central New York Regional Planning
and Development Board.
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Ms. Price Agenda No. 4 was introduced. Ms. Breed asked if we are going to get competitive bids with RFP’s. Mr. Schrader answered that if directed by the Legislature we can start that next year. Adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 4 became: Resolution No. 35-07 Authorize Agreement Treasurer’s Office County Wide Cost Allocation Plan (Jack Venesky, CPA).
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 5 became: Resolution No. 36-07 Authorize
Payment Treasurer’s Office (Surplus Sales Tax).
On the motion of Mr. VanDee and Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Cornell and
adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 6 became: Resolution No.
37-07 Authorize Agreements Health Department (Nursing Division) (Contracted Services).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 7 became: Resolution No. 38-07 Authorize
Agreement – Deviation From Standard Contractual Terms For Certain Insurers’
Agreement With Hospice.
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 8 became: Resolution No. 39-07 Authorize Agreements Health Department (Nursing Division) (Beacon Resource Group).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Price
Agenda No. 9 was introduced. Mr. Williams raised the same question regarding
spending a lot of money on auditors without the scrutiny of RFP. Adopted
by all members voting aye, except Mr. Williams voting nay, Agenda No. 9
became: Resolution No. 40-07 Authorize Agreements For 2007 Health
Department/Jacobus Center For Reproductive Health (Auditor, Ahlers,
Interpreter, and Consultants and or Facilitators).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 10 was
introduced. Ms. Breed referred to the wording “funds available in the
professional services account” and asked if there was a limit on what we
spend on this particular contract. Mr. Schrader said that we do not know the
number of hearings that need to be held. If there is a loss in the account it
would be necessary to come to my office and/or to the respective committee if
the $10,000 is expended. Adopted by all members voting aye Agenda No.
10 became: Resolution No. 41-07 Authorize Agreement Health
Department/Environmental Health (Hearing
Officer Services).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 11 became: Resolution No. 42-07 Authorize Agreement Health Department/Environmental Health Pesticide Applications for Mosquito/Larva Control.
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 12 became: Resolution No. 43-07 Amend Budget Health Department (Grant Rollovers from 2006 Budget to 2007 Budget).
On the motion of
Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Price Agenda No. 13 was introduced. Ms. Breed asked
if this is funded right now. Mr. Schrader answered that the budget has a full
time position predicating on a revenue stream of grant funding. We have enough
money to fund this position at .7 with the expectation that the individual
will seek further funding for the position. Since I have been with the County
it has been the position that when funding dries up that the position needs to
be examined to remain. Adopted by all members voting aye, except Ms.
Breed and Mr. Willcox voting nay, Agenda No. 13 became: Resolution No.
44-07 Create
Temporary, Part-time (.7) Public Health Educator Health Department.
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 14 became: Resolution No. 45-07 Authorize Agreements/Accept Funds Health Department Public Health Preparedness and Response to BioTerrorism.
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 15 became: Resolution No. 46-07 Authorize
Agreement Mental Health
Department (Mental Health
Services).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 16 became: Resolution No. 47-07 Amend Budget Mental Health Department (Intensive Case Management).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No. 17 was
introduced. Ms. Tytler commended the efforts of the Family Counseling Services
to change their accounting procedures. Adopted by all members voting aye,
Agenda No. 17 became: Resolution No.
48-07 Amend Budget Family
Counseling Services of Cortland County, Inc.
On the motion of
Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 18 was introduced. Mr. Armstrong
requested that he abstain from voting as he has a potential conflict of
interest. Mr. Williams said that when we discussed this project last year the
amount was $400,000 and this comes in at $333,000. Mr. Williams stated that we
were told last year that $400,000. was not a good amount to bond for, yet last
month we bonded for $465,000 for highway projects, referring to Resolution
19-07. Mr. Schrader said that if it is the wish of the Legislature we can
include this in bonding relief at the time we go out for the equipment. Mr.
Willcox asked how this is different. Mr. Tagliente said the difference is this
was for the building only. Mr. Schrader said that the $333,000 is for the
building itself with the site work and electrical to be done in-house. That is
the difference in price. As far as bonding, generally what we do is a short
term issue, until we have enough to issue long term that is going to be a
product of the bond market and we utilize our fiscal advisors to when and at
what level we should be borrowing long term. We can include this if the
legislature so chooses by a vote of the legislature, as now it is coming out
of the fund balance. Mr. Williams asked if that is a Budget and Finance issue.
Mr. Schrader said it can be. Mr. VanDee said this will be paid for in about 15
years. Ms. Breed disagreed saying it will be at least 20 years. Chairman Brown
said that it is important to listen to our fiscal advisors as to what is best
for the County. I agree that it be included into bonding but at what point is
the question.
Ms.
Price made a motion to approve Mr. Armstrong’s abstention, second by Mr.
Cornell and all members voting aye.
Mr.
Williams restated his previous question of bonding for $400,000. versus the
$465,000 we did last month. Mr. Schrader said the best solution if you decide
to bond for this is to incorporate it with highway equipment itself. The
problem we run into if we continually bond for small amounts is the cost of
issuance ends up killing us; so we wait for a substantial amount. Mr. Williams
asked why we were not counseled in November that we could bond for this. Mr.
VanDee said that we did. Mr. Williams said he did not recall that discussion.
Ms. Breed said it wasn’t stated in the resolution, it said fund balance. Mr.
Schrader said to give you an example of what we do; we just issued a 9 million
dollar bond. We took all our short term borrowings and built them into one so
that you reduce your issuance cost. We can do this with this with a vote of
the legislature. Currently we don’t have that as the direction was to use
fund balance. If you want to change that, it is your prerogative. Mr. Willcox
said that we can bundle this with something else, correct? Mr. Schrader said
yes and you still can. Mr. VanDee added that it can be done at any given time.
Chairman Brown said the intention was that this would be until we decide to
bond. Ms. Breed said it wasn’t in the resolution. Mr. VanDee said we
discussed this on the floor. Mr. Schrader said there need to be a specific
resolution written to be adopted and if you want we can draft one for the next
meeting. Adopted by all members voting aye, except Ms. Breed and Mr.
Willcox voting nay, Mr. Armstrong abstaining Agenda No. 18 became: Resolution
No. 49-07 Award
Construction Contract – 10-bay T Hangar Bldg. Cortland County Airport – Chase Field
Highway Department.
On the
motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Spaulding Agenda No. 19 was introduced.
Ms. Breed said that this is a two year term with no dates given. Ms. Tytler
made a friendly amendment to include the dates of the two year term in the
resolution. Adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 19 became: Resolution
No. 50-07 Award
Inspection and Maintenance Contract for Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS)
Cortland County Airport – Chase Field Highway
Department.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by
all members voting aye, Agenda No. 20 became: Resolution No. 51-07 Award Highway
Equipment –
Track Excavator Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 21 became: Resolution No. 52-07 Authorize
Highway Equipment –
One (1) Wheel Loader Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 22 became: Resolution No. 53-07 Approve
Contract For Engineering Page Green Road, Phase
III/Highway.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 23 became: Resolution No. 54-07 Page
Green Rd. Phase III SEQR Engineering Design Work Only Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 24 became: Resolution No. 55-07 Authorize Agreement/Leachate Testing Highway Department/ Landfill.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by
all members voting aye, Agenda No. 25 became: Resolution No. 56-07 Authorize Agreement/Household Hazardous Waste
Highway Department/ Landfill.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente and Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Spaulding
and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 26 became: Resolution No.
57-07 Household Hazardous
Waste Application Highway Department/
Landfill.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Armstrong and adopted by
all members voting aye, Agenda No. 27 became: Resolution No. 58-07 Authorize
Highway Equipment – Two (2) GMC 2WD Regular Cab Stake Rack Trucks Highway
Department.
On the motion of Mr. Tagliente, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 28 was
introduced. Mr. Tagliente made a friendly amendment to the resolution to
include that the purchase is for two Malibu and one Impala Sedans. Ms. Breed
asked for the individual prices. Mr. Chambers said that the Impala is $15,000.
and the Malibus are over $12,000. each. Adopted by all members voting
aye, and Ms. Breed voting nay Agenda No. 28 became: Resolution No. 59-07 Authorize
Highway Equipment – Three (3) 4 Door Sedans Highway
Department.
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Hartnett and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 29 became: Resolution No. 60-07 Amend
Budget Area Agency on Aging (Community Services for the Elderly
Program - Services).
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. McKee and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 30 became: Resolution No. 61-07 Amend
Budget Area Agency on Aging (Expanded In-Home Services for the
Elderly Program - EISEP).
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 31 became: Resolution No. 62-07 Amend
Budget Area Agency on Aging
(Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program).
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 32 became: Resolution No. 63-07 Accept Grant/Amend Budget/Authorize Agreement Youth Bureau (United States Tennis Association Grant).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 33 became: Resolution No. 64-07 AUTHORIZE
AGREEMENT
Fire & Emergency Management Satellite UHF Site.
Agenda No. 34 is duplication of 33. Agenda renumbered for remaining items.
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and
adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 35 became: Resolution No.
65-07 Amend 2007 Budget Sheriff's
Department (Child Passenger Safety Program).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. VanDee and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 36 became: Resolution No. 66-07 Amend
2007 Budget Sheriff's Department (Forfeited Proceeds).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 37 became: Resolution No. 67-07 Amend
2007 Budget Sheriff's
Department (Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee – S.T.O.P.P.E.D.).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Armstrong and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 38 became: Resolution No. 68-07 Amend 2007 Budget
Sheriff's
Department (TraCS – Electronic Ticket & Accident Report Project).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 39 became: Resolution No. 69-07 Amend 2007 Budget/Transfer Funds
Sheriff's
Department/911 Center (Personal Service Accounts).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by
all members voting aye, Agenda No. 40 became: Resolution No. 70-07
Increase Salary Sheriff's Department Court
Attendants.
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. McKee and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 41 became: Resolution No. 71-07 Authorize Agreements Alternative to Incarceration (NYS Division of Probation and Correctional Alternatives).
On the motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Clark and adopted by all members
voting aye, Agenda No. 42 became: Resolution No. 72-07 Approve
Contract/Receive Funds
Cortland County Board of Elections Voter Education & Poll Worker
Training.
On the motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 43 became: Resolution No. 73-07 Approve Contract/Receive Funds Cortland County Board of Elections Polling Sites Access Improvements.
On the motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Hartnett and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 44 became: Resolution
No. 74-07 Authorizing
Agreement with Benefits Consulting Group, L.L.C. Health Insurance Benefit
Consulting Services County
of Cortland.
On the motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 45 became: Resolution No. 75-07 Authorize
Expenditure Chamber Photo Project Cortland County Legislature.
On the motion of Mr. Ross, second by Mr. Armstrong and adopted by all
members voting aye, Agenda No. 46 became: Resolution No. 76-07 Authorize Agreement Planning Department (Cortland
County and Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Tytler announced a Planning Sub-committee meeting next Tuesday at 2PM
and Carl Ford from the Department of Transportation will be joining us.
Mr. Cornell announced the CCTVS meeting after session
Chairman Brown read a letter distributed to all Legislators prior to the meeting regarding the South Main Street Land Deal as follows:
On
February 23, 2007 I will be consulting with the Chairmen and/or Vice-Chairmen
of the following committees: Health,
General Services, and Budget and Finance.
The
purpose will be to form an ad-hoc committee consisting of members representing
each of those standing committees. The mission of this ad-hoc committee shall
be to explore opportunities existing and regarding the South Main Street land
deal and the space needs of the County of Cortland.
I
will request that the committee, once formed, designate a chairman and that
the meetings be held in public and that they issue a written report to the
Legislature on or before March 22, 2007
.
Meeting Adjourned at 6:40 PM.
Minutes prepared by Susan Morgan, Clerk