Highway Committee
January 15, 2008 – 9:00 am
Present: Mike McKee, Chairman; John Steger, Vice Chairman; Kathie Arnold, Tom Hartnett, Chad Loomis, Danny Ross and Newell Willcox
Others present: John Daniels, Chairman, County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; John Troy, Legislative District 1; Carol Tytler, Legislative District 3; Gene Waldbauer; Legislative District 13; Sandy Price, Legislative District 19; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Elizabeth Burns, Assistant County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Donald Chambers, Superintendent of Highways; Bob Buerkle, Deputy Superintendent of Highways; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard
Mr. McKee called the meeting to order at 9:06 a.m.
Mr. McKee announced that he had selected John Steger as his Vice Chair of the Highway Committee.
Mr. Ross moved adoption of the minutes of the December 4, 2007 meeting; seconded by Mr. Steger. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTIONS:
1A.
Approval for County to Apply for “Rebuild and Renew New York
Transportation Bond Act” Grant Funding, Highway Department, County Airport
– Mr. Ross moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Buerkle explained that just yesterday he received the estimated
costs from the Engineer in relation to this resolution and added that he has
prepared an amended resolution for the committee to consider.
Mr. McKee explained that this grant involves improvements at the
airport including security, lighting, weather information, fuel and others.
Mr. Buerkle explained that the first grant being applied for is
regarding security. He explained
that last year the airport received a grant to build the latest 10 bay T-
Hanger. He discussed the Security
Program grant includes security improvements to an emergency generator which
would allow the airport to remain operational in the event of a power failure.
Mr. Buerkle further discussed these security improvements allowing for
the lobby to remain open 24 hours a days, seven days a week.
He added that this allows nighttime pilots to land and use restrooms
lobby and to check the weather in the lobby.
He explained that currently the lobby is closed when it is not manned
and currently the lobby is manned from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Mr. Willcox inquired if the airport itself closes at 3:30 pm.
Mr. Buerkle explained that the airport itself was remains open 24 hours
a day, seven days a week. He
added that with increased security and allowing the lobby to be open 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, we could expect to see an increase in fuel sales. Mr. Hartnett inquired about the price of fuel being
competitive. Mr. Buerkle
explained that the Cortland County Airport has the lowest price in central New
York and stated that they are competitive.
Mr. Loomis inquired about the gate being locked.
Mr. Buerkle discussed the gate being locked and accessibility.
Mr. Loomis inquired further about any problems at the airport in
regards to vandalism. Mr. Buerkle explained that he has not had any problems since
he has been here. Mr. Chambers
added that the Cortland County Sheriff’s Department does patrol the airport
nightly. Ms. Arnold inquired
about who would be monitoring the cameras once they were installed. Mr. Buerkle explained that eventually he would like this done
at the 911 Center. Committee
members further discussed the monitoring of the cameras and the dispatching of
patrols if they are needed. Mr.
Willcox inquired if a pilot who lands at 1:00 am was able to purchase fuel.
Mr. Buerkle and Mr. Chambers discussed the availability of fuel
purchases by credit card 24 hours a day.
Mr. Buerkle went on to explain that the Partial Airport Renovation
grant includes much needed renovations to MH-1.
He added that the building was built in the 1930’s and is in great
need of work. He explained the
differences in the Partial Hanger Renovations and Full Hangar Renovations,
besides the cost, is that the full renovation includes renovations and heating
of the Aircraft Storage Area. He
further explained that the renovations include rehabilitation to the floor in
the hangar and discussed current problems with the floor.
Chairman Daniels asked if they are just applying for two different
grants and hoping for one of the two. Mr.
Buerkle stated that this was correct. He
added that it is likely we will receive the security grant and hopeful on the
other. Mr. Loomis asked if the
County worked with the consultant regarding these costs.
Mr. Buerkle explained that he met with the consultant at the airport
and the consultant worked out the figures.
He added that McFarland Johnson is the consultant used under the FAA
guidelines. Mr. Willcox inquired
as the overall value of the airport. Mr.
Schrader explained that the structure is valued but the asphalt and tarmac are
not. Mr. Buerkle discussed the
work completed in the past. Mr.
Schrader inquired if the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in MH-1 was in agreement
with this. Mr. Buerkle explained
that he had discussed this with him and added that he should only be affected
for approximately two weeks. He
further discussed the local share for the rehabilitation is 10% and the
security program is funded 100%. He
further explained that this is a reimbursement program. Mr. Willcox inquired about the reimbursement timeline.
Mr. Buerkle expressed that it should be within the fiscal year.
Mr. Schrader stated that construction is to begin next year,
theoretically. Mr. Buerkle
agreed. All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
1.
Authorize Highway Equipment, One (1) Pickup Truck, Highway Department – Mr.
Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Chambers explained this resolution was to purchase a pickup truck,
which is part of the Equipment Replacement Plan.
He added that the truck is a crew cab, one ton pickup.
He explained that the pickup truck will be used to transport the crew
and needed equipment to the jobsite. He
added that this truck is being purchased from the OGS NYS bid. Ms. Arnold inquired as to the average mileage obtained from
these vehicles. Mr. Chambers
explained that the average is between 100,000 and 150,000.
Mr. Hartnett inquired as to what is being done with the truck that is
being replaced. Mr. Chambers
explained that it would be sent to an auction.
Mr. Willcox inquired about the dealers that these trucks are being
purchased from. Mr. Chambers
explained that each dealer turns in a bid for these state bids. Mr. Chambers explained that he chose the low bidder and the
most economical vehicle. Mr.
Chambers further discussed the repair work being done by the Highway
Department unless it is warrantee work and then it is taken to the local
dealer. He added that these are
not typical warrantees, they are fleet warrantees.
Mr. Ross inquired if the Highway Department had ever tried to see if
the local dealers would match the state bid price.
Mr. Schrader explained that if this were done they would need to go out
to bid and added that from his experience purchases from the state bids are
the best values. All members
present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
2.
Authorize Highway Equipment, Five (5) Pickup Trucks, Highway Department –
Mr. Ross moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Chambers explained that this resolution is for different trucks and
again they are part of the Equipment Replacement Plan and not expanding the
fleet. He stated that vehicles
being replaced would be sold at auction.
He further explained the replacing of a van with a Ford F250 that is
used for surveying and this being safer and allowing for truck to be more
useable. Mr. Daniels inquired if
these vehicles were two or four wheel drive.
Mr. Chambers stated that they all are two-wheel drive.
Mr. Loomis inquired where the funds went after the auction.
Mr. Schrader explained that there was a surplus sale of equipment
revenue line in the budget. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
3.
Award Highway Equipment, Snow Plow/Dump Trucks, Highway Department – Mr.
Steger moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Arnold.
Mr. Chambers explained that this is for a Ten-Wheel Snow Plow/Dump
Truck off the NYS bid. He stated that this could be used as a Dump Truck/Snow Plow
and Sander all in one. Mr.
Chambers explained that he was purchasing different trucks and stated the
reasons why. He discussed the
differences and additional flexibility. Mr.
Willcox inquired about the differences in cost.
Mr. Chambers explained that the spreader is an additional $6,000.
Mr. Willcox inquired about the longevity of the trucks.
Mr. Chambers expressed that it is about twelve years.
Mr. Loomis inquired about the size of the fleet.
Mr. Chambers discussed the fourteen county routes that are plowed and
explained that there are 26 large dump trucks that all have the capability of
having plows put on them. Mr.
Chambers further discussed the goal of replacing the trucks after ten years
because after the ten-year mark they begin to have increased problems.
He explained that this new plan is more feasible.
Mr. Willcox inquired about the cost of parts.
Mr. Chambers explained that parts are not included in these bids and
added that in the past the Highway Department has received a break in the cost
of parts. Mr. Chambers explained
that most of the work is done in house. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
4.
Award Highway Equipment, Tractor Trailer Trucks, Highway Department – Mr.
Ross moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Chambers explained that this is to replace a tractor and the
current tractor is 20 years old. He
added that this purchase is from NYS bids.
Mr. Chambers discussed this vehicle and the hauling of leach ate
legally. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution
approved.
5.
Authorize Highway Equipment, One (1) Wheel Loader, Highway Department – Ms.
Arnold moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Chambers explained that this was to purchase a Wheel Loader off NYS
bid. He explained that this would replace one, which is 35 years
old. Ms. Arnold inquired as to
how much money would be left in the capitol account after these purchases are
made. Mr. Chambers explained that
the Grater will also need to be purchased and he is not aware of any on the
NYS bid. He stated that there
would be approximately $200,000 remaining in the account and also stated that
most of the purchases planned for the year are being made now.
Mr. Schrader explained that the Wheel Loader and Grater would be bonded
for and there will be a corresponding resolution for the bond on the Budget
& Finance Committee agenda. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
LANDFILL
6.
Household Hazardous Waste Application, Landfill, Highway Department – Mr.
Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Ross.
Mr. Chambers explained that this was started last year and was a
one-day collection for a 50% grant by NYS DEC.
He stated that this is to apply again for the grant and if it is
approved then they would like to plan it in June.
He stated that there would be a need to go to bid for a contractor.
Mr. Hartnett inquired as to what the County’s share would be of the
total cost of this. Mr. Chambers
explained that it would be approximately $11,500.
Mr. Willcox inquired about what the cost would be if the grant were not
obtained. Mr. Chambers expressed
that it would be approximately $23,000. Mr.
Ross discussed and expressed his concerns regarding the inadequate storage and
the dumping of household hazardous waste in the landfill. Mr. Chambers explained that the area Fire Departments are
very supportive of this. Mr.
Willcox inquired as to who could utilize this program.
Mr. Chambers expressed that it was for residents.
Mr. Hartnett inquired about the disposal of computers.
Mr. Chambers expressed that there is a program already in place.
Mr. Chambers expressed that he is anticipating an increase in the cost
of disposing of television sets. Mr.
McKee, Mr. Steger, Ms. Arnold, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Loomis, and Mr. Ross voted in
favor; Mr. Willcox was opposed; resolution approved.
RECYCLING CENTER
DWYER PARK
7.
Authorize Issuance of a Theatrical Production and Custodial License, Dwyer
Park (Cortland Repertory Theatre), Highway Department – Mr. Ross moved
adoption; seconded by Ms. Arnold. Mr.
Schrader expressed that this is to continue a long-standing relationship with
Cortland Repertory Theatre. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
3.
River Trail Funding – Mr. Chambers explained that he had received
the Draft Design Report regarding the Tioughnioga River Trail and further
stated that the County has approximately $1.5 million dollars available
($200,000 from the IDA and $1.29 Federal Funding).
He stated that the total cost of the project is $2.8 million.
He explained that one cause for the increased overall price is that the
original contracts, before Cortland County was involved, had no mechanism for
right of way acquisition. He
added that the estimated additional funding needed is approximately $1.4
million. He added that he has
contacted New York State and there is no flexibility to reevaluate funding for
right of way acquisition and there are no additional funds available for the
additional cost of approximately $1.4 million.
Mr. Chambers expressed that the previous Highway Committee Chairman has
unsuccessfully discussed this with the Governor’s Office.
Mr. Loomis inquired as to why the drastic increase in cost. Mr.
Chambers explained that the project was initiated in 1998 and Cortland County
did not become involved until 2005. Committee
members expressed that it is hard to see taxpayers pay for this project.
Mr. Willcox inquired as to what the penalties would be if Cortland
County were to back out now. Ms.
Burns explained that there is a clause, which states if Cortland County
abandons the project then Cortland County must reimburse cost incurred by New
York State for the project. She
added that currently this would be approximately $200,000.
Mr. Loomis inquired if the project could be scaled back.
Mr. Chambers expressed that he has had discussions regarding this and
looked into ways to decrease the total cost but stated that there are
substantial hurdles in the way. He
discussed the proximities being close to the railroad and safety concerns.
Mr. Loomis inquired about scaling the project back from a ten-foot wide
path to an eight-foot wide path. Mr.
Schrader expressed that his point of view has not changed regarding this
project. He stated that in 2004
he recommended not being involved with this project.
He explained that there are still right of way issues and concern
regarding long-term maintenance and costs.
He expressed that he does not recommend putting $1.5 million into this
project and added that he is skeptical in regards to receiving further money
from New York State. Mr. Daniels
inquired as to the cost to back out of the project at this point.
Mr. Chambers expressed that the total cost is approximately $200,000
but further stated that there may be a way to negotiate these costs with New
York State Department of Transportation.
Mr. Willcox suggested setting up a Public Hearing to collect input from
the public. Ms. Arnold inquired
as to any other options being available.
Mr. Schrader expressed that to receive more options the cost of C &
S Engineering services would increase. Mr.
Loomis asked if the length of the trail could be shortened.
Mr. Chambers stated that the entire length of the trail, from Homer to
Cortland, needed to be completed. He
added that it is designed with the concept of being an alternate means of
transportation. Mr. Chambers
expressed that the security of the trail would be left up to the municipality.
He added that the County Sheriff would patrol on an as needed basis.
Ms. Arnold inquired as to the time period involved in the project.
Mr. Chambers expressed the final designs are scheduled for approval in
March 2008. Chairman Daniels
suggested that a meeting be scheduled with the New York State Department of
Transportation to discuss our overall costs, explore alternate means of
funding and our options. Mr.
Chambers suggested that elected County Officials contact Representatives in
Washington and request money to be earmarked to fund this program.
He also suggested County Officials meet with the Federal
Representatives. Mr. Steger addressed his concerns regarding the costs of the
project from just Cortland to Homer and added that eventually the project is
to run from Marathon to Preble. Ms.
Arnold made a motion to authorize the County Administrator, Chairman of the
Legislature, Chairman of Highway Committee and Superintendent of Highways to
explore options and costs with New York State Department of Transportation to
include the cost to move on with the project and the costs to abandon the
project; seconded by Mr. Willcox. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; motion approved.
Mr. Schrader discussed moving forward and contacting Federal
Representatives.
4. Dwyer Park, Porch Repairs - Mr. Chambers explained that he would be going out to bid for the permanent repairs needed on the porch at Dwyer Park. He added that the Legislature approved the temporary repairs and those repairs have been completed. He further discussed specific items in the bid.
Mr. Loomis made a motion to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Willcox. Mr. McKee adjourned the meeting at 10:39 a.m.