Approved
Minutes of Legislative Session: March 22, 2007 - 6 PM Meeting
Meeting was called to order at 6:09 PM by Chairman Brown, followed by the Salute to the Flag.
The Clerk took Roll Call with all members recorded as present except Mr. Willcox, excused and Ms. Breed, Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Steger, Mr. Tagliente absent. Mr. Clark was not at his desk during roll call but arrived immediately following.
The minutes of February 22, 2007 Legislative Meeting were unanimously approved. Mr. Troy made a motion to correct the approved minutes of January 25, 2007. He stated he detected an error on his vote to reconsider Resolution No. 478-07 recorded on page 4 (next to last paragraph) as voting nay. He contacted the Clerk and she confirmed that the vote should read Mr. Troy voting nay instead of Mr. Steger. The Chairman said if no one objects, the correction will be made to the minutes. There was no objection.
PRIVILEGE
OF THE FLOOR
Ginny Neff, Harford resident and Darrell Cross, Councilman, Town of Harford, spoke to the Daisy Hollow Road concerns as presented with the Petition for permanent repair signed by 172 residents. Ms. Neff related the history of temporary repairs being made by the County Highway Department that do not solve the problem. She said that there are 283 vehicles that use that road daily, including school busses. She begged legislators to fix the problem. Mr. Cross agreed and added his concerns to the solution being that the County needs to investigate why this is happening and fix the problem using County employees to reduce the cost that was estimated by a previous administration at $300,000 to $500,000.
Mr. Robert Duell, County Fire Coordinator spoke to Agenda No. 35, in regards to the Dispatcher staffing shortage. He recently visited Chenango County and compared their staffing levels at 11 dispatchers for 2 positions versus Cortland County with 12 dispatchers filling 3 positions. He noted that Chenango does not have City dispatch responsibilities as Cortland does. He added that part time coverage doesn’t work due to the amount of training required and availability due to part timers having other jobs. He urged legislators to support the creation of the dispatcher positions.
Gigi Peterson of 72 Church Street, Cortland told legislators she was heartened with the communication and concern regarding the South Main Street project, suggesting that a way to improve communication is to have the Cortland Standard highlight scheduled meetings in the future. She said the focus group was set up in a way for us to say that we would accept a scaled down version when in fact a scaled down version does not meet the needs that fueled this project. She concluded saying that it is the wrong place for the project and entailed an irresponsible process.
PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
The Clerk read a Certificate of Recognition formally recognizing Devon Brown, Marathon Central High School Sophomore, as New York State High School Wrestling Champion. Mr. Cornell joined the Chairman to honor Mr. Brown. The Chairman said how proud his family, his school and his community is of his overwhelming accomplishment. Mr. Cornell quoted Jackie Gleason saying “How sweet it is!” and that Marathon has another State Champion and presented Devon with the Recognition. Devon thanked the Legislature for the honor and said he was glad to share this with the community.
A Proclamation was read by the Clerk declaring March as Developmental Disabilities Month. Cortland Madison County ARC representatives; Sharon Radley, Director of Cortland Operations and Ray Lewandowski, Executive Director introduced program consumers Rocky Mauler, Juergan Kienle, and Deb Phelps who spoke of their personal experiences coming to ARC services and how it has affected their lives. Mr. Lewandowski concluded telling legislators that none of this happened 20 years ago and thanked legislators for years of support.
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS AND NOTICES
On the motion of Ms. Price second by Mr. Cornell, a Petition for Permanent Repair of Daisy Hollow Road was received and filed.
REPORTS
OF STANDING, SPECIAL AND ADHOC COMMITTEES
The Clerk introduced Carl Haynes, President of TC3 who spoke to the legislature on the State of the College. Legislators were presented with the written annual report. He gave an overview of the report stating that the athletic complex should be completed by mid June. Phase 2 of the Capital Project came in under budget with bids being considered at tonight’s Board meeting. In the Academic Program there is a major retirement incentive resulting in 7 faculty searches. In the curricular program he spoke of the dual credit program. TC-3 is a leader in the state of on-line courses coming in 4th place. We are in the midst of reaccredidation process that starts in March of 2008 and entails a self-study process that we are doing now. Our Global Initiative Program is growing with a three-way partnership with Disney and International partners. We are opening up our 5th residential life building. In the athletic department we are adding men’s lacrosse. Referring to page 1 of the report, he spoke of the success of the students in transferring to 60 other institutions. We have a new diversity initiative and are in the midst of a diversity climate survey. He spoke of the success of fundraising activities and noted the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department picture and participation on page 11. He asked for questions and/or further discussion. Mr. VanDee said to keep up the good work. Chairman Brown asked if they could supply pictures of the updates done to the campus for others to see. Mr. Haynes said there will be an Open House in the Fall of the new athletic facility and in the Fall of 2008, the 40th anniversary celebration there will be tours offered.
Chairman Brown requested the Ad Hoc Committee Report on the South Main Street Project from Carol Tytler, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee. On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Cornell the Ad Hoc Committee Report was received and filed.
Mr. Troy commended Ms. Tytler for the professional way this committee got this report ready. Chairman Brown agreed, saying it was time consuming and dealt with a large volume of information and thanked the committee for submitting the report that will be reviewed by all legislators. Chairman Brown stated that there will be a Special Meeting on April 5, 2007 to determine what Legislators want to do. Mr. VanDee asked the Chairman to change that date as he has scheduled a 10-day vacation starting April 5th. Upon further discussion it was determined that the Special Meeting will be scheduled on April 3, 2007 at 6 PM. Chairman Brown asked if the parties wished to schedule caucus meetings that night also. It was determined that individual caucus meeting will be at 5 PM that same evening.
RESOLUTIONS
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 1 became: Resolution No. 77-07 Appoint Member Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee of the Community Services Board.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 2 became: Resolution No. 78-07 Appoint Member Employment and Training Grant Administration Cayuga/Cortland Workforce Investment Board.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 3 became: Resolution No. 79-07 Reappoint Member Cayuga-Cortland Workforce Investment Board.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 4 became: Resolution No. 80-07 Resolution Urging the Federal Government to Change the Threshold on the Tax Placed on Social Security.
On the motion of Ms. Brown, second by Mr. McKee and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 5 became: Resolution No. 81-07 Resolution Urging the United States Congress to Enact Medicaid County Protection Act of 2007 (Social Services).
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 6 became: Resolution No. 82-07 Authorize Exemption From County Property Tax For Village of Marathon Real Property Utilized for Public Water and Waste Management System Located in the Town of Marathon.
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 7 became: Resolution No. 83-07 Home Rule Request Sales Tax.
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 8 became: Resolution No. 84-07 Authorize Payment Tompkins Cortland Community College (Operating Budget 2006-2007).
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 9 became: Resolution No. 85-07 Resolution Authorizing the County Treasurer to Withhold the Final Interfund Transfer between the General Fund and County Road Fund.
On the motion of Mr. VanDee, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 10 became: Resolution No. 86-07 Authorizing an Agreement with Cortland County Convention and Visitors Bureau for Provision of Public Benefits Services for Promotion and Publicity.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 11 became: Resolution No. 87-07 Accept Proposal/Authorize Agreement Buildings & Grounds (Davis-Ulmer).
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 12 became: Resolution No. 88-07 Accept Proposal/Authorize Agreement Water Treatment Boilers Buildings & Grounds.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Daniels and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 13 became: Resolution No. 89-07 Accept Proposal/Authorize Agreement Penn Power Systems Buildings & Grounds.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 14 became: Resolution No. 90-07 Accept Proposal/Authorize Agreement Riverside Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Buildings & Grounds.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 15 became: Resolution No. 91-07 Authorize Stockwin Surveying To Conduct Survey Of Dwyer Park Pavilion.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Ms. Price, Agenda No. 16 was introduced. Mr. Ross asked if this goes to the landfill. The response was it does go to the landfill. Adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 16 became: Resolution No. 92-07 Authorize Agreement (Building & Grounds) Waste Management of New York, LLC.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 17 became: Resolution No. 93-07 Abandon Right of Way to Suit-Kote Corporation.
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 18 became: Resolution No. 94-07 Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds Health Department/Nursing Division (Lead Poisoning Prevention Grant).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 19 became: Resolution No. 95-07 Authorize Agreement/Accept Funds Health Department/ Jacobus Center for Reproductive Health (State Grant).
On the motion of Mr. Clark, second by Mr. McKee and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 20 became: Resolution No. 96-07 Rescind Resolution 41-07 Authorize Appointment Health Department/Environmental Health Hearing Officer Services.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 21 became: Resolution No. 97-07 Transfer Funds Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 22 became: Resolution No. 98-07 Award Service Contract Tree Removal Service Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 23 became: Resolution No. 99-07 Authorize Contract/Highway Department United States Department of the Interior.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 24 became: Resolution No. 100-07 Authorize Agreement/Environmental Audit Highway Department.
On the motion of Mr. Hartnett, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 25 became: Resolution No. 101-07 Authorize Agreement (Environmental Monitoring) Highway Department/Landfill.
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 26 became: Resolution No. 102-07 Accept Bids/Purchase Area Agency on Aging/Nutrition Miscellaneous Groceries and Frozen Foods.
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 27 became: Resolution No. 103-07 Increase Hours Area Agency on Aging Food Service Helper.
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 28 became: Resolution No. 104-07 Abolish/Create Department of Social Services Social Services Program Specialist/Social Welfare Examiner/Social Welfare Examiner Trainee.
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Armstrong and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 29 became: Resolution No. 105-07 Authorize Agreement Youth Bureau (Bus Lease-Cincinnatus Central School District).
On the motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 30 became: Resolution No. 106-07 Accept Grant/Amend Budget Youth Bureau (“Healthy Heart” Grant).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 31 became: Resolution No. 107-07 Renew Contract Fire & Emergency Management National Incident Management System (NIMS) Compliance Consultant.
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 32 became: Resolution No. 108-07 Accept Grant Fire & Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Program.
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 33 became: Resolution No. 109-07 Accept Grant Fire & Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Program. Mr. Schrader said that the money has not been received as yet so the Appropriated Fund Balance will not be necessary. Once the money is received we will put it the appropriate account.
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 34 became: Resolution No. 110-07 Amend 2007 Budget/Transfer Funds Sheriff’s Department (Personal Service Account).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 35 was introduced. The Clerk said that this did not pass Budget and Finance Committee and told legislators that they received amended version of the resolution for their consideration. Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. VanDee, made a motion for amended version creating one position of Dispatcher. Mr. VanDee said that he supports one position rather than none. He further stated that the second position should be looked at during the budget process. Approved by all members present. On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No 35 became: Resolution No 111-07 Amend 2007 Budget/Create Position Sheriff’s Department/911 Center (Personal Services).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 36 became: Resolution No. 112-07 Authorize Grant Application Sheriff’s Department (Offender Watch).
On the motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Spaulding and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 37 became: Resolution No. 113-07 Amend 2007 Budget Sheriff’s Department (Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-STEP).
On the motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Clark and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 38 became: Resolution No. 114-07 Authorize Increase County Clerk’s Office Cover Page Fee.
On the motion of Mr. Ross, second by Ms. Price and adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 39 became: Resolution No. 115-07 Authorize Agreement Cortland County and First Transit, Inc. Cortland County Planning Department.
On the motion of Mr. Ross, second by Mr. Troy, Agenda No. 40 was introduced. Mr. Ross said this is a much-needed service between Cortland and Cornell for staff, students and faculty. There will be a bike rack on the bus so that students can transport bicycles. Adopted by all members voting aye, Agenda No. 40 became: Resolution No. 116-07 Amend Resolution 127-06 Cortland County Planning Department (Agreement-Cortland County and Tompkins County, Transportation to Cornell).